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CQESRICHT DEPOSIT. 



The 
Wandering Jew 

A Play in Four Phases 



t By 



Er Temple Thurston 



G. P. Putnam's Sons 

New York and London 

ttbe •Rnicfterbocfter ipress 

192 1 



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Copyright, 19a i 

BY 

E. TEMPLE THURSTON 



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Printed in the United States of America 



S) PA A b 1 1 i o r 



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tro 



MR. AND MRS. MATHESON LANG 



This dedication is the only tangible fashion in 
which I can express my gratitude to both of you for 
your enthusiasm and belief in this play. Without 
this belief, without that enthusiasm, I am convinced 
the manuscript would still be lying on my shelves and, 
for aught I know to the contrary, I might have been 
still more the loser in not possessing two very good 
friends. 



E. T. T. 



GoDDARDs Green, 
23-8-20. 



The Wandering Jew 

by 
E. Temple Thurston 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 
In the Order of their Appearance 

Judith Hutin Britton 

Rachel (Matathias' Sister) Margaret Darner 

Matathias, the Jew Matheson Lang 

Du GuESCLiN Wolferstan Beck 

BoEMOND, Prince of Tarentum. . .Shayle Gardner 
Godfrey, Duke of Normandy . ..R. Campbell- Fletcher 

Raymond of Toulouse George Skillan 

Issachar, An old Jew Ernest Bodkin 

Joanne de Beaudricourt Lillah McCarthy 

The Unknown Knight Matheson Lang 

Phirous, a Man-at-Arms George Morgan 

Mario, A Servant Horton Cooper 

Andrea Michelotti, A Merchant 

of Messina W. F. Grant 

vii 



viii CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Matteos Battadios, The Jew. . .George Skillan 
GiANELLA Battadios, His Wife. .Ethel Carrington 

PiETRO MoRELLi, A Padre GeoTge Skillan 

Al Kazar, a Moorish Servant. . .Donald R. Young 
Lazzaro Zapportas, a Jewish 

Merchant Hector Abbas 

Maria Zapportas, His Wife Nona Wynne 

Arnaldo Zapportas, His Son . . . Freddie Piesley 
Matteos Battadios, The Jew. . .Matheson Lang 
Olalla Quintana, a Harlot. . . .Dorothy Holmes-Gore 
Gonzalez Ferara | Officials of Shayle Gardner 

Alonzo Castro f the Inquisition Ernest Bodkin 



Juan de Texeda, Inquisitor- 
General W. F. Grant 

Alonzo Castro, The Confessor . .Ernest Bodkin 
Gonzalez Ferara, The Fiscal. ..Shayle Gardner 

Councillor Horton Cooper 

Councillor Wolferstan Beck 

^ ^ { R. Campbell- Fletcher 

Officers of the Inquisition i „, , 

( Walter Menpes 

A Man-at-Arms Walter Plinge 

Lords, Ladies, Knights, Men-at-Arms, Squires, 

Heralds, Soldiers, Councillors, etc. 



The Play produced by Matheson Lang and A. W. 
Tyler. Theatre Royal, Manchester, August 23, 
1920; New Theatre, London, September 9, 1920. 



THE WANDERING JEW 



(During the music of the introduction the lights are 
lowered all through the theatre, and in the darkness that 
follows the voice of the Crier is heard.) 

THE CRIER 

To each his destiny — to each his Fate. We all 
are wanderers in a foreign land between the furrow 
and the stars. 



PHASE I 



CHARACTERS 

Matathias .... The Jew 

Rachel His Sister 

Judith 



PHASE I 

Scene 

The room of a house in Jerusalem. Up S.R. is a 
bed upon which Judith lies dying. Up stage, in centre 
of a wall, an archway leads out directly into the street. 
To S.L. of archway there is a long window high up in 
the wall, with a long, low table below it. In wall S.L. 
there is another archway leading into a farther room, 
covered by an oriental curtain. There are oriental mats 
on the floor. 

As curtain rises, the young woman, Rachel, is seen 
looking out of archway up S.C. Judith lies inert and 
apparently lifeless on the bed. After a moment she 
raises herself with difficulty on her elbow. 

JUDITH 

(Jn the faint voice of one near death.) Water! Bring 
me water ! {She falls back again on the pillows. Ra- 
chel comes quickly to where a pitcher of water and a bowl 
are standing in a corner of the room. She fills the bowl.) 

RACHEL 

{Bringing a bowl of water to Judith.) Does the 
fever burn again ? 

JUDITH 

{Drinking the water.) So fiercely that my eyes 
seem swollen in my head and all I look at turns to 
flame. 



10 THE WANDERING JEW 

RACHEL 

{Taking the bowl from her, dipping her hand into 
the water, and laying it on Judith's forehead.) If life 
were only dearer to you, you would soon be well. What 
is this ailing in your mind that thwarts recovery ? 

JUDITH 

How see you that ? 

RACHEL 

The trouble in your eyes, which more than fever 
brings. You look about you as you were pursued. 
You search for things that are not here. But yesterday 
in a delirium, when Matathias was away, you cried a 
name so loudly and in such agony of voice that tears 
came to my eyes at the pain of it. 

JUDITH 

{With agitation.) What name? 

RACHEL 

"Levi" you called, and again "Levi — Levi," until 
it seemed there must be one to answer and yet no voice 
replied. 

JUDITH 

Sooner would I have breathed no more than say 
that name. 

RACHEL 

Who is this Levi? 



THE WANDERING JEW ii 

JUDITH 

My child — my little son. Ask me no more or I 
shall speak of things my lips are sealed upon. 

RACHEL 

They better spoken were than left to burn like 
poison in the blood. Set free your mind of these dis- 
turbances ; 'twill cool the fever in your head and bring 
you ease of it. (She takes Judith's hand.) I am all 
patience and sympathy to hear. 

JUDITH 

How can I speak to Matathias' sister what I would 
not dare to say to him ? 

RACHEL 

And yet when he did send for me to stay beside 
your bed, he told me much that you think hidden 
from me now. "She has a husband and a child in 
Bethel in the mountains, ' ' he told me. ' ' She fled from 
there and entered my house one night, and is a wife to 
me this day." 

JUDITH 

Oh God! That night! And now this day ! 

RACHEL 

Then is your love for Matathias dead? 



12 THE WANDERING JEW 

JUDITH 

Not dead — I love him still and fear him more, but 
there is that within my conscience and my soul that 
cries out for my child whom I have left. This sickness 
of my body is of my spirit too. I lie through the long 
night and only pray that death may bring me ease of it. 

RACHEL 

Does Matathias know of this ? 

JUDITH 

Once I did speak to him when first this fever 
brought me to my bed. 

RACHEL 

And then? 

JUDITH 

He is your brother and you know the temper of the 
man — fierce to love as fierce to hate. As fiercely as 
he loves me so fiercely does he hate my son and him for 
whom I bore him. "Let me return but once," I said, 
"but once, to see my child, and then I will come back 
to you," at which, taking the knife he carries in his 
girdle, he swore that he would kill me sooner — saying 
'twas but a trick to leave him. And when I protested, 
vowing I loved him still, he took me once more in his 
arms and spoke as to a child with that great gentleness 
that won me to him first. 

RACHEL 

He burns with jealousy, and when a boy was like 
a firebrand, ready to be caught in flame by any spark 



THE WANDERING JEW 1^ 

that flew. Does he not know then that your heart is 
torn in this distress ? 

JUDITH 

He knows or has forgotten, for never does he speak 
of it. {Lying back in exhaustion on her pillows.) Oh, 
how far off everything does seem. I feel like a feather 
balanced on the world. 

RACHEL 

I will bring your draught of herbs. [She rises. 

JUDITH 

No draught can cure these pains. Look out again 
and see if he returns. 

[Rachel goes to the archway up S.C. and looks out. 

RACHEL 

I see him not. 

[She gets down again and exits by door S.L. 

JUDITH 

(Raising her arms above her head.) Levi ! Levi ! 
Enter Rachel with draught in bowl. 

RACHEL 

He has been two hours gone on this mad errand to 
the Nazarene. 

[She comes over to the bedside and gives Judith 
the draught. 



14 THE WANDERING JEW 

JUDITH 

{Giving back the howl.) Why call you his errand 
mad? 

RACHEL 

Why ? The Nazarene Himself is mad ! Last night 
they took Him in the garden which is by the brook 
Cedron, where He was betrayed by one of those who 
follow Him. They brought Him to Annas and then to 
Caiaphas the High Priest. 

JUDITH 

What wrong has He done? He has healed the sick 
and fed the poor. Did He not raise one from the 
dead? What wrong has He done that brings a need of 
judgment? [She sits up in bed. 

RACHEL 

Nay, talk no more. Lie back again and close your 
eyes. One hour of sleep might quench the fever. 

JUDITH 

No sleep for me till Matathias shall come back. 
'Twas I who prayed him go and bring the Nazarene to 
make me well. He laughed and like you said the man 
was mad. Why is He mad and what harm has He 
done? 

RACHEL 

Whilst you have been abed here in this room, no 
day has passed without some riot or disturbance. He 
is perverting the nation; sowing sedition throughout 
all the land. He calls Himself Christ and says He is 



THE WANDERING JEW 15 

a King; has sworn He will destroy the Temple and 
in three days will build it up again. What else but 
madness can this be? 

JUDITH 

Supposing it were true ? 

RACHEL 

What true? 

JUDITH 

That He were the Christ and were indeed a King 

RACHEL 

Aye — and true perhaps He were the Son of God ! 

JUDITH 

Does He say that? 

RACHEL 

There is no madness that He will not say. 

JUDITH 

{To herself.) The Son of God. (ro Rachel.) Have 
you seen Him? Have you heard Him in the Temple? 

RACHEL 

Nay — nor have I wish of it. 

JUDITH 

Five days ago I saw Him — that day the fever 
brought me to my bed. (She speaks in a tone of awe.) 
'Twas as He came from Bethphageinto the city, seated 



i6 THE WANDERING JEW 

upon an ass with a little colt following at its heels. 
There were crowds about Him, spreading their gar- 
ments in His way and cutting branches from the trees 
to make a path for Him. And with Him came those 
twelve disciples, rough fishermen, who hung upon the 
words He says. "Hosanna," they were crying — 
" Hosanna to the Son of David," and I stayed to watch 
them as they went. 'Twas then I saw Him close, for 
as He passed He looked into my eyes and then I felt in 
dread, for all that I had ever done, my child and hus- 
band I had left, all stood before Him then and He must 
see my heart's iniquity. But when I thought that 
anger would set light within His eyes, no anger burnt — 
only a divine gentleness, as though He took my soul in 
His and eased it of the burden that it bore. 

RACHEL 

He hath bewitched you as He hath bewitched them 
all. 

JUDITH 

Nay — I was not bewitched. All that I saw — I saw. 
He said no word to conjure me. But I have never 
known such rest as I saw in those eyes of His. Go — 
look again. Tell me if Matathias comes. 

RACHEL 

(Going to archway again and looking out — after a 
moment.) Great crowds are gathered by the Judgment 
Hall . (A t that moment a sound of music is heard — some 
weird oriental tune.) This is that Nazarene again, 
stirring up the people at the Feast of Passover. I see 
him now He runs — now stays to look behind. 



THE WANDERING JEW 17 

JUDITH 

Who plays that music? 

RACHEL 

Some bhnd beggar on his pipe outside. 

JUDITH 

Then bid him stay his hand, I cannot bear the 
sound of it. My senses are all strung until I hear the 
message Matathias brings. {As Rachel goes to the 
archway.) Was there no man with him as he came? 

RACHEL 

(Drawing curtain into street.) None — he came 
alone. 

JUDITH 

Maybe the Nazarene will follow after. 

RACHEL 

Say no more, you are not bewitched of Him. What 
power on earth can this man have beyond the power 
of other men? 

JUDITH 

I only know the power I saw there in His eyes. 
Oh, give him a mite and stay that beggar's hand! 
His music maddens me. 

[Exit Rachel by arch, and a moment later enters 
Matathias. He is out of breath with 
running, excitement, and anger. 



i8 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATATHIAS 

(Coming quickly to the bed and kneeling down beside 
it.) Dear love, I've been long gone from you. These 
hours have seemed a year. How feel you now? Are 
all the pains of fever gone? 

[The music outside stops and Rachel enters, 
quickly drawing the curtain behind her. 

JUDITH 

My strength is going, Matathias — life is a poor 
thing, trembling in me now. Only tell me — will He 
come to lay His hands on me? 

MATATHIAS 

That madman! 

JUDITH 

Nay — the Nazarene. 

RACHEL 

Have you seen Him? 

MATATHIAS 

(Rising to his feet.) This very morn they brought 
Him before Pilate in the Judgment Hall. Have I 
seen Him? God of our fathers! Have I not made 
myself a laughing-stock before all people? I spoke 
to Him as they brought Him from the court of Herod. 
I prayed Him come and lay His hands on Judith's 
head and heal her of her fever. 



THE WANDERING JEW 19 

JUDITH 

What did He say, Matathias? Say quickly all 
He said, 

MATATHIAS 

With those great eyes He looked at me, and with 
that voice a mother might reprove her child. He said — 
"Return the woman to her husband and she shall be 
healed." 

JUDITH 

{Sitting up in bed, her face full of wonder and of 
awe as Rachel looks at her in the astonishment of first 
belief.) Did He say that? Were those His very 
words ? 

MATATHIAS 

'Twas all He said — and knowing you had fled from 
the man in Bethel, the people laughed at me and cried 
out it were a likely cure when he would beat you from 
his door. 

JUDITH 

{Still awed.) 'Twas not my husband but my child 
He meant. How did He know the very pulses of my 
heart? 

RACHEL 

{Trying to recall her first convictions.) Some busy- 
body has been speaking of it in the market-place and 
it has reached His ears. 



20 THE WANDERING JEW 

JUDITH 

Nay, He would not listen, He, to wagging tongues. 
He saw it in my eyes that day at Bethphage. 

MATATHIAS 

And you pay heed to what this madman says ? 

JUDITH 

He is no madman, Matathias, but a man of wonder 
— ^maybe a man of God. 

MATATHIAS 

Yet I would sooner see you dead than give you 
back to him at Bethel. This Nazarene is all puffed 
out with vanity and swollen with conceit because a 
few sick beggars and idle fishermen pour flattery in 
His ears; but justice has been found for Him this day. 
Before the sun sets we shall be rid of Him. 

JUDITH 

What do you say? (She struggles to rise in bed.) 

MATATHIAS 

Even now they are setting from the Judgment 
Hall, and ere an hour is gone He will be struggling on 
a cross on Calvary. 

JUDITH 

Crucified! (The sound of the crowds can just be 
heard in the distance.) 



THE WANDERING JEW 21 

RACHEL 

(With forced self -conviction.) A fitting end to all 
His blasphemy. 

JUDITH 

Oh, you know not, either of you, what you say! 
They kill the Son of God who crucify this man, and 
it will be a stain of sin that no blood ever shall wipe 
out. 

MATATHIAS 

Hath He bewitched you too then with His blas- 
phemies? (The murmur of the crowd is heard again.) 
Hark! Even now the people come. (Kneeling sud- 
denly beside her bed.) Oh, my Judith, pay no more 
heed to the folly of this trickster's words. This is 
your home — for Bethel was no home to you. Throw 
off the sickness of this fever and come back to rae again 
as you have always been. 

JUDITH 

He knows the secrets in a mother's heart. 'Twas 
that He said. 'Twas thus He showed the truth that 
is in Him. Let me return or even bring my child 
to me. 

MATATHIAS 

Let you go back ! What, be a flatterer to His mad 
conceit myself! How could such folly heal you? 
If that be truth, then I will shut my ears and hear no 
more. Nay, had He but come here to the house 
and laid His hand upon your eyes, and you had risen 



22 THE WANDERING JEW 

straightway from the bed, I too, with all those fools, 
might have believed. But in my hour of misery to 
turn and mock me as He did! The truth! I cried 
as loud as all the rest : * ' Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! ' ' 
and may He linger in His death as I am lingering in 
despair of you. 

JUDITH 

Can you believe then only what you see? Oh, 
Matathias, what have you done? 

MATATHIAS 

What have I done? Added my voice to that of 
all Jerusalem. When Pilate asked us whom he should 
release, it being the Feast of the Passover, I was the 
first to cry aloud, ' ' Barabbas I " He has not bewitched 
our women as this Jesus of Nazareth hath done. Oh, 
Judith, let not thy mind run more upon His mockery, 
but get thee well and fill my life again. 

[Rachel climbs up on the table and looks out 
of the window as the sounds of the crowd 
come nearer and voices are heard crying out 
in the distance: ' ' Crucify Him ! ' ' Crucify 
Him ! Hail, King of the Jews ! " 

JUDITH 

I never shall be well again for this world now. 

MATATHIAS 

{In despair and rising from the bed.) Then curse 
this Nazarene ! 



THE WANDERING JEW 23 

JUDITH 

I am content to die the day that He will be in 
Paradise. 

MATATHIAS 

But should my curses reach His soul, there never 
will He be this day. If He has healed others why 
cannot He heal you and save Himself. 

JUDITH 

My healing is of no account, and if it be the will of 
God He yet may save Himself. 

RACHEL 

The crowds come now — the soldiers and centurions. 
(Leaning further out of the window.) I see the cross 
sway to and fro amongst the heads of those that follow. 

JUDITH 

What have they done? 

MATATHIAS 

What have they done? They have declared in 
justice 'gainst this mountebank of God, and surely as 
He comes this way I will go out and spit on Him. 

JUDITH 

{Reaching out of bed with difficulty to touch his arm.) 
I pray you not. Oh, Matathias, if it be an evil thing 
to you that I should die, mayhap a still worse thing 
may then befall you. 



24 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATATHIAS 

Nay, that I swear to do — if you must die, I'll 
let the people see my rich contempt of Him. 

JUDITH 

May God defend you from a dreadful thing if you 
do this. 

[The crowds can be heard now passing under 
the window. 

RACHEL 

(Contemptuously.) I see Him coming with His 
cross. He struggles 'neath the weight of it. {Pause.) 
A crown of thorns is on His head, and all the sweat and 
blood are trickling down His cheek. {Half in wonder.) 
He hath a woman's face this Nazarene; nay, yet a 
man's, though all the tenderness of women I can find 
there too. 

MATATHIAS 

God of Abraham ! Here is another caught hold by 
His witcheries ! 

[The spears of the soldiers can just he seen 
passing by. Judith is straining herself to 
rise up in bed; there is a wonderful look 
of expectation in her eyes, 

RACHEL 

{Putting up her hands to her eyes and turning away 
as the top of the cross is seen going unsteadily by the 



THE WANDERING JEW 25 

window, and with it from below moves a brilliant light 
that passes away with the crowd.) I am afraid. 

[Judith sits up in the bed following the light with 

her eyes that are filled with a wonderful 

fulfilment. 

MATATHIAS 

(Shading his eyes with his hands.) What light was 
that? 

RACHEL 

He has gone by. 

JUDITH 

It was the Hght of God, and you have shut your 
eyes upon it. 

MATATHIAS 

The light of God, you say ! I will not see the light 
of God in this impostor's eyes. The God of our fathers 
is of mightier stuff than this. He stood but now in the 
Judgment Hall and spake no word — was dumb in His 
defence. What manner of divinity is that? I would 
not thank you for such manhood, and you talk to me 
of God! 

JUDITH 

I hear His silence deeper in my soul than any words 
which might have passed His lips. 

MATATHIAS 

How, with His silky tongue and woman's face, can 
He thus steal away the reason from your mind? I 
know the man — soft looks and drooping lids that ever 



26 THE WANDERING JEW 

caught a woman in a snare. I'll show Him forth and, 
as He hangs upon the cross, will make Him tell the 
people all He is as He drags out His miserable end. 

JUDITH 

{With great effort sitting up in bed and imploring 
him.) I do entreat you, Matathias, and you love me 
still, let me not die with such a shame upon my soul. 
(She tries in her agony to hold him.) For yours will be 
the blasphemy to say such things, and I shall go down 
to my grave in sorrow and disgrace. 

RACHEL 

(Looking from the window.) He bears the cross no 
more; the weight of it hath broken Him. Some other 
hath it on his shoulders now, as they set up the hill. 

MATATHIAS 

(Laughing.) Your man of God ! How will He bear 
the pains of death who cannot bear such pains as 
these? (As he frees himself from Judith.) This man 
would build the Temple in three days who cannot bear 
a cross! Your man of God! He is not fit to spit 
upon! (He goes to the door.) 

JUDITH 

Matathias! Stay, Matathias! 

[He goes out swiftly, drawing the curtain after 
him. 

JUDITH 

Tell me he has not gone. Look out ; say twas an 
idle boast of his. 



THE WANDERING JEW 27 

RACHEL 

{Looking out.) I see him running up the street. 

JUDITH 

Which way? Which way? 

RACHEL 

The way they all have gone. He who now bears 
the cross is bent already 'neath the weight of it. 

JUDITH 

But Matathias — what of Matathias? 

RACHEL 

He pushes his way through the crowd. 

JUDITH 

And now? 

RACHEL 

He lays his hand on the Nazarene's shoulder. He 
turns. I see that face again. 

JUDITH 

Now? Now? What now? 

RACHEL 

Now Matathias spits on Him. 

JUDITH 

Oh God ! That this should be ! 



28 THE WANDERING JEW 

RACHEL 

The Nazarene is speaking and Matathias listens 
like one who is struck dumb. 

JUDITH 

The evil thing is done. {She sits up in the bed again 
in a sudden spasm, struggling for her breath to speak; 
then she falls back dead on the pillows.) 

RACHEL 

{Still looking out of the window.) He has fallen 
back out of the crowd. He comes back now — back to 
the house — but he trembles as he walks. His face is 
white as the ashes of a fire. Here now he is — here — 
now. 

The door opens. Enter Matathias. 

RACHEL 

{Getting down from table.) What hath he said? 

MATATHIAS 

{Dazed still at what he has heard.) He looked at 
me — His eyes! — and then — and then He said: "I 
will not wait for thee, but thou shalt wait for Me until 
I come to thee again." What does He mean? What 
does He mean? It is a curse — a curse as I cursed 
Him. But who am I and who is He? Our curses are 
but words as empty as that pitcher on the floor. Yet 
I tremble at the thought: for when should that man 
ever come to me again ? {Turning to the bed.) Judith, 
if you must die, then — {He finds that she is lying 



THE WANDERING JEW 29 

still, and, going quickly on his knees, he takes her in his 
arms.) Is she asleep ? {He tries to wake her.) Judith, 
Judith, awake — open your eyes and look at me ! Oh, 
she is dead; so I must lose the greatest thing of all. 
She's dead, and hfe is hollow as an empty gourd. Now 
might I well die, too ; and she and I and the Nazarene 
will be fit company to Paradise. Judith, my love — 
(he kisses her) — I shall be with you now. (He takes 
out a knife from his girdle and plunges it into his breast. 
It breaks and the pieces fall to the floor. With a cry of 
horror he picks up the pointed end and plunges it again 
in his breast. It breaks again. He stands a moment 
looking at it.) (With a hollow laugh of terror.) What 
is this trick that keeps death from my hand ? (In an 
awed whisper.) The curse. It has begun. 

[The stage begins to darken with the approach 
of the coming storm. As a distant roar of 
thunder is heard, Rachel cowers up 
against the wall trembling. 

CURTAIN 



PHASE II 



31 



CHARACTERS 



BOEMOND . . . . 

Godfrey . . . . 
Raymond of Toulouse, 

issachar . . . . 
Joanne de Beaudricourt. 
The Unknown Knight. 

Phirons . . . . 



Prince of Tarentum. 
Duke of Normandy. 

A Jew. 



A Man at Arms. 



Yeomen, Ladies, Knights, Men-at-Arms, etc. 



33 



SCENE I 

Scene 

The lists near Antioch. 

The temporarily erected gallery enclosing the lists, 
covered with its brightly coloured awning and draped 
with tapestries hiding its framework, stretches from 
entrance left to right up S. raised but slightly from S. R. 
to S. C, and then rising tier upon tier, coming down at 
an angle to S.L. Between the bottom of the awning and 
the heads of the people, looking across the lists, can be seen 
the brilliant blue Eastern sky, with a group of Cyprus 
trees in the distance. 

The lighting effect of this scene is that of subdued 
shadow under the awning, strikingly contrasted with the 
brilliant sunshine in the lists beyond, which just strikes 
in under the canopy on to the colours of the dresses^ etc., 
in the front row. 

The crowd of onlookers is so raised as to obscure the 
sight of the horses, only showing the heads and shoulders 
of the knights in armour as they ride by. 

There is a flight of steps down from the raised plat- 
form at the back, allowing characters to descend on to 
the grass, which, in the shadow of the awning, makes the 
foreground of the scene. 

When the curtain rises the sound of trumpets is heard, 
and the spectators lean forward eagerly in their seats as 
one of the knights in full armour with his lance in rest 
is seen above the heads of the people, dashing by with the 

35 



36 THE WANDERING JEW 

thunder of his horse's hoofs and the clash of armour as 
he meets his opponent in the centre of the lists, off S.R. 

Some definite result of the encounter is evidently 
achieved for the people wave handkerchiefs and scream 
and shout with excitement, crying ''Brave lancel" to 
the victorious knight as he rides back down the lists with 
his broken lance held up, lowering it as he passes the 
gallery where the throne of the Prince of Tarentum is set 
and all the highest ladies and knights are gathered. 

As he passes, music is heard in the distance — a 
wild, barbaric Eastern effect, combined largely of cymbals 
and bells. It has in its composition a suggestion of the 
music heard in the previous Act. 

[After the knight has passed and the shouting 
has died down, Beomond, Prince of 
Tarentiim, followed by Godfrey, Duke 
of Normandy, and Raymond of Tou- 
louse, comes down the steps from the 
gallery on to the grass in the foreground. 

BOEMOND 

If he shall unhorse the Sieur du Guesclin the day 
is his, and we shall be beholden to him for the courtesy 
of putting to shame the best of all these knights that 
ride beneath our standard. 

GODFREY 

He will not vanquish du Guesclin. 

RAYMOND 

I would not trust the issue to my hopes. He sports 



THE WANDERING JEW 37 

with danger, and I have heard him make a jest of 
death. 

BOEMOND 

He might well sport with death in service of my 
arms; but serving none, and covering his face that 
none may read his looks, it likes me ill to see him 
sweep my knights from their saddles as they were so 
much chafE to sweep from off the floor. How can we 
steal this mask he wears ? Who are his men-at-arms ? 

GODFREY 

One fellow does attend to him — no more. 

BOEMOND 

Where is his tent ? 

GODFREY 

Out there upon the plain. It stands all set apart 
— aloof and like himself. 

BOEMOND 

Might we not put a watch on it and catch him 
unawares ? 

RAYMOND 

My lord Prince ! We are all knights and may not 
put our chivalry to shame! It is the hospitality of 
this tournament to invite all comers, whosoe'er they 
be, asking no credit but of their valour and their 
chivalry. Of these two qualities this unknown knight 
has shown as high degree as any in the lists. 



38 THE WANDERING JEW 

BOEMOND 

The more then would I know his name that I might 
gather him beneath my standard. 

GODFREY 

Ask of the Jew. He's travelled far and knows a 
many of the secrets of the East. Ask of the Jew. 
We've bled him dry of all but these. 

BOEMOND 

He is not dry, my lord Duke. Each time we 

squeeze him, sure he cries for mercy, but he weeps a 

ducat more. Bring him to me. We'll question him. 

[Exit Godfrey, Duke of Normandy, by 

wings at S.L. 

RAYMOND 

I did myself speak with his man-at-arms. 

BOEMOND 

What did the fellow say ? 

RAYMOND 

He seemed as honest as a fool can be. 'Twas no 
disguise that he professed, but turned on me an eye 
as liquid clear in all its innocence as drops of water in 
the hollow of the hand. 

BOEMOND 

But what said he? The eye gives natural service 
to a fool. The tongue may fail him. 



THE WANDERING JEW 39 

RAYMOND 

His words were just as simple as his glance. He 
knew no more than I, he said. His master chose to 
follow at the heels of war. He knew not whence he 
came, nor whither he had made his mind to go. No 
cause he served — nor Turk nor Christian — yet held his 
life as cheap as any bauble on a woman's wrist. 

BOEMOND 

How long had the fellow served with him ? 

RAYMOND 

Two years, no more. 

BOEMOND 

Whence comes the servant? 

RAYMOND 

He is of Salamis — in Kupros — a hardy man of 
simple wit, just such a servitor as he must need who 
would keep counsel with himself. 

BOEMOND 

And in two years he's learnt no more than this ? 

RAYMOND 

One other matter the knight could not conceal, 
not even from a fool. 

BOEMOND 

Let's hear it all. 



40 THE WANDERING JEW 

RAYMOND 

As daring as he is in deeds of valour, so is he ventur- 
ous in love. No woman resists him. He does take 
favours from all that please his eye, and fears as little 
of damnation to his soul as it would seem he fears of 
danger to his life. 

BOEMOND 

I could be well worse served by other qualities 
than those. A man can live but once, and he who 
drinks from brim to bottom of the measure finds heart 
for enterprise. Here comes the Jew; now watch me 
bait him first. 

[Enter Godfrey, Duke of Normandy, with 
IssACHAR, an old Jew about seventy years 
of age. He bows with servile humility 
before Boemond. 

BOEMOND 

Issachar, a more ten thousand crowns ! 

ISSACHAR 

My lord! My lord! I've not ten groats to call 
my own ! You've had my little fortune to its dregs. 

BOEMOND 

Let's have them, then, maybe they'll weigh as 
heavy as the draught. 

ISSACHAR 

My lord! I have no more! I pray o' nights for 
death, that it may be my merciful extortioner. 



THE WANDERING JEW 41 

GODFREY 

There's more than death, Jew. My lord the 
Bishop of Marseilles has made as pretty a design of 
torture as I have ever seen. It gives the sweetest pain 
and wrings out secrets as daintily as a mistress wrings 
the tears from out her kerchief. 

[They laugh at his distress. 

ISSACHAR 

I am an old man. I cannot bear the torture, my 
lord! 

BOEMOND 

How then will you pay for ease of it ? 

ISSACHAR 

I have a son, my lord, in Mitylene. If T should 
send to him, maybe he'd scrape ten thousand crowns 
to save me this. 

BOEMOND 

{Laughing as the others laugh with him.) Brave 
Jew! I was but baiting you. (To Godfrey.) Never- 
theless, remember that, my lord. There are ten thou- 
sand crowns in Mitylene. {To Issachar.) It was not 
money that I called you for. We need to know who 
is this stranger knight who jousts today. 

ISSACHAR 

I know no more than you, my lord. How was 
he entered for the tourney ? 



42 THE WANDERING JEW 

GODFREY 

Le Sieur Inconnu. 

ISSACHAR 

What's the device upon his shield? 

RAYMOND 

'Tis hard to tell; but I have seen it close. It is a 
dagger broke in three. 

BOEMOND 

That tells no tale. But I have heard that you, 
Jew, in your wanderings in the East of Europe, have 
not a little knowledge of the men who come and go. 
So venturesome a knight as this could scarce have 
passed unheard by ears as sharp as yours. Is there 
no man of your knowing he might be? 

ISSACHAR 

(After a pause.) None, my lord. 

GODFREY 

The lady Joanne, wife of the Sieur de Beaudricourt, 
had speech with him but yesterday, my lord, after the 
jousting was done. 

BOEMOND 

To what purpose? 

GODFREY 

I do not know, my lord. 



THE WANDERING JEW 43 

RAYMOND 

Where was de Beaudricourt? 

BOEMOND 

(Sarcastically.) In any place but that which she 
might need him. That knight will rot his bones in 
France if caution is enough to bring them home again. 

GODFREY 

Question her, my lord. (Indicating the gallery.) 
She sits up there. 

BOEMOND 

Bring her down. I'll sift this matter to what end 
I can. 

[Godfrey, Duke of Normandy, departs up the 
steps to the gallery. 

issachar 

I have been thinking wide and deep, my lord, and 
there's no man but one I know of who this knight 
might be. 

BOEMOND 

Who's that? 

ISSACHAR 

(Shaking his head as he ponders over his thoughts.) 
But 'tis not like to be. Nay, surely 'tis not like. 

BOEMOND 

Well, speak it out and let us judge of that. 



44 THE WANDERING JEW 

ISSACHAR 

There is a man, my lord, a member of our wander- 
ing race, whose name's a whisper round the fires o' 
nights. In Kupros I have heard of him — in Candia, 
too, and I have spoke with those who heard his name 
in other cities and in other tongues. 

[As they begin t» listen intently to the note of 
mystery in his voice, Joanne de Beau- 
DRicouRT descends the steps from the 
gallery, followed by Godfrey, Duke of 
Normandy. They distract their attention 
for a moment as they bow to her. She bows 
before Boemond. 

JOANNE 

You sent for me, my lord. 

BOEMOND 

I did, and will inform you of my purpose; but let 
this Jew progress. He tells a tale that does invite my 
curiosity. Now, Jew, this man 

ISSACHAR 

'Tis he, my lord, they call the Wandering Jew. 

RAYMOND 

I've heard of him — a myth — surely there is no 
substance in the tale. 

BOEMOND 

What tale? 



THE WANDERING JEW 45 

ISSACHAR 

'Tis said, my lord, that as your Christ did carry up 
His cross to Calvary, this man, a citizen of Jerusalem, 
spat in His face because of some spite he bore, and that 
the Nazarene bade him walk the earth until He should 
come to him again. So for these thousand years and 
more he toils the ways of life, a man such as he was, 
without an added year upon his head, wandering and 
waiting for that Christ who — saving your presence — 
died on Calvary, and in that sepulchre you fight for, 
lies buried with the dust. 

GODFREY 

{Half drawing his sword.) For that blasphemy, 
Jew, your throat may slit ! 

BOEMOND 

Put back your weapon! He would not be a Jew 
without such faith, and we might be ill put to it 
without our Jew. Count those ten thousand crowns 
in Mitylene. 

JOANNE 

Of whom do you speak, my lord ? 

BOEMOND 

Of this strange knight who plucks the honours of 
our lists today. 

JOANNE 

(With a lively interest.) But what, my lord, has 
that to do with the man the Jew speaks of? 



46 THE WANDERING JEW 

ISSACHAR 

Might he not be the same, fair lady? He does 
appear in any place — in any guise. 

JOANNE 

The same ! Nay, God forbid ! 

BOEMOND 

For all ve know of him — why not? 

GODFREY 

Yesterday he held you in converse as we left the 
lists. 

RAYMOND 

How did he speak? 



JOANNE 

As any ordinary man, save that his voice was- 
{She hesitates, finding need for caution.) 



BOEMOND 

His voice was what? 

JOANNE 

A fuller, nobler voice, my lord. A voice that had 
the note of things eternal — a voice that sure could not 
revile. 

BOEMOND 

{Watching her closely.) Of what eternal things did 
he speak with all the sweat of jousting on his brow? 



THE WANDERING JEW 47 

JOANNE 

(Confused.) My lord — it — it was not what he said. 
He spoke no more than of the fortune of the lists. It 
was the temper of his voice I heard. 

RAYMOND 

What is he like to look on? 

JOANNE 

I do not know. 

BOEMOND 

He did not raise his vizor as he talked with you? 

JOANNE 

No, my lord Prince. 

[The trumpets sound in the lists for the last 
encounter of the tournament. The chal- 
lenge is answered by trumpets in another 
direction. The voices of the heralds can be 
heard crying out the terms of the tourney, 
and the voices of the people begin to be 
heard again, eager and excited. 

GODFREY 

There sounds his fierce challenge to du Guesclin. 

[Joanne still stands down S.C., her hands 
clasped in the strain of control. IssA- 
CHAR is standing at S.R. watching her. 



48 THE WANDERING JEW 

JOANNE 

{Turning and, with a cautious glance at the gallery, 
coming towards him.) Can there be such a man as he 
you speak of, Jew? 

ISSACHAR 

{Bowing with servility.) Lady, I have but heard of 
him. He comes and goes about the world, and last 
was seen a more than fifty years ago in Mitylene, where 
I have a son. 

JOANNE 

How does he come? Where does he go? 

ISSACHAR 

He comes as one would push his way into a crowd, 
and when his name is whispered round about, as 
though it were the echo of his curse, he goes and none 
know whither. 

[The final trumpet sounds in the lists. Joanne 
looks towards the sound in apprehensive 
emotion. 

JOANNE 

There sounds the last challenge. Get you to the 
people there and watch above their heads. The Sieur 
du Guesclin sets his heart on victory. 

[IssACHAR hurries to the palisade which en- 
closes the people and men-at-arms, climb- 
ing up so that he can look over their heads. 
Ashe does so, the roar oj the horses' hoofs 



THE WANDERING JEW 49 

draws nearer, and then the Unknown 
Knight, in full armour as before, thun- 
ders by. As he passes out of sight to S.R. 
Joanne creeps up S. so that she is beside 
IssACHAR, who is Craning forward to see 
the issue. The crashing sound of armour 
can he heard again in the distance as they 
meet. 

JOANNE 

{Shuddering at the sound of it.) Who falls? 

[The people, who have been watching in absolute 
silence, now send up a great shout. 

ISSACHAR 

{Half looking round.) Du Guesclin falls. 

[Joanne clasps her hands with momentary 
relief. Issachar looks again. 

ISSACHAR 

The strange knight has dismounted in the closing 
of an eye. 

JOANNE 

Aye, aye! they fight with swords. 'Tis to the 
death. What now? 

issachar 

{After a pause, craning still further forward, then 
stepping down.) Du Guesclin could not rise and he 
has spared his life. 
4 



50 THE WANDERING JEW 

JOANNE 

Ah, there was a Christian deed! That was a 
knightly thing to do! See! He rides back. 

[The strange Knight passes as before. 

JOANNE 

Hark how the people cheer him for his chivalry! 
Let there be no more talk, Jew, of revilers on your 
lips. Get back amongst the people and if they ask 
you who he is, tell them a Christian knight, who keeps 
his heart for chivalry. 

[IssACHAR bows Mmself out of her presence. 
The people up S. can be seen now standing 
up as they move out of their seats. There 
is much noise and laughter and waving 
of scarves, and then the sound of music, 
as before, rises above it all. Joanne 
comes down S. still clasping her hands in 
joy at the issue of the tournament. Stand- 
ing a moment in contemplation, she turns 
quickly with a sudden thought to go tip the 
steps to the gallery. As she reaches them 
the Unknown Knight enters from behind 
the galleries down S.L. She turns as she 
hears the sound of his armour. His vizor 
is down and his face cannot be seen. 

KNIGHT 

The sun has all gone out of Heaven. You were 
not there to see. 



THE WANDERING JEW 51 

JOANNE 

(She comes down to him.) He was so sure of victory. 

KNIGHT 

(Laughing.) So sure was he? Well, so sure was 
I ! And so you feared to see the end ? 

JOANNE 

I did, my lord. (She bows her head.) 

KNIGHT 

Not all withstanding that I told you I had followed 
full five-hundred miles across the breadth of Europe 
with these Crusader's arms to keep in sight of you, and 
then to meet you thus? Not all withstanding that, 
you did mistrust the fate that brought me? 

JOANNE 

Death finds, my lord. We cannot hide from that. 

KNIGHT 

Well, let it seek me first. It did not search today, 
and with the morrow I'll be gone. 

JOANNE 

(In a whisper.) Gone? 

KNIGHT 

Gone. Does that hurt you? 

JOANNE 

Why, my lord? 



52 THE WANDERING JEW 

KNIGHT 

This is a pot all simmering with curiosity. I go 
before it boils. 

JOANNE 

And shall we never meet again? 



KNIGHT 

Yes. 

JOANNE 

{Eelow her breath.) When? 



KNIGHT 

Tonight. Come to my tent tonight. The moon 
is low and still scarce fledged. There's none will see 
you pass. 

JOANNE 

My husband, my lord. 

KNIGHT 

Damned be such husbands! He is no mate for 
you. Too well you know it to play caution with me 
now. 

JOANNE 

{Trembling with emotion.) And must I come with 
eyes all blind, that shall not know the man my honour 
lies with? 



THE WANDERING JEW 53 

KNIGHT 

(Laughing.) Ah, you are simmering with the 
rest! What is my face to teach you better what I 
am? Full well you know the man you meet. 'Tis 
in my voice; 'tis in this hand that held my lance. 
(Striking his breast.) 'Tis here in all of me. Farewell, 
I know I need not ask again. Come to my tent, and 
you shall look into my eyes tonight. 

[As swiftly as he came he leaves her in a whirl 
of emotion. She stands at S.C. with her 
breast rising and falling as she breathes, 
staring before her — swept away by the 
power of his conviction. 

CURTAIN 



54 THE WANDERING JEW 



SCENE II 
Seven hours later 

Scene 

The interior of the Knight's tent. Down S.L. there 
is a couch of Eastern design. Down S.R. a rough table 
with a seat before it. Up S.C. is the entrance to the 
tent, across which a broad flap of the canvas stretches, 
shutting out the deep blue of the Eastern night. 

On the table a lamp of Oriental design is burning, 
giving a dim yellow light inside the tent. The couch is 
covered with a purple pall. In the dim light the green 
of the grass looks almost black. 

As curtain rises, Phirons, the Knight's servitor 
or man-at-arms, is standing at the entrance to the tent, 
holding aside the flap and looking out when the blue night 
sky can be seen with its dust of stars. 

The Knight, dressed in a robe, close fitting, of a 
very deep wine red, such as the Knights wore when they 
had discarded their armour, lies on the couch with his 
back turned to the audience, his eyes fixed upon his servi- 
tor, who waits at the entrance of the tent. 

In silence, these attitudes should be held as long as 
possible. 

knight 
{After a long pause.) No sight? No sound? 

phirons 
None, my lord. The night's asleep. 



THE WANDERING JEW 55 

KNIGHT 

Why, sure it sleeps; her feet would not awaken 
it. If there's no sound, 'tis that she comes all safe. 

[After another pause a bell is heard tolling in 
the Jar distance of the camp. 

KNIGHT 

What is that bell ? 

[They pause and listen, when a voice far away 
is heard calling: " Unclean — Unclean — 
Unclean." 

PHIRONS 

A leper passing through the camp. 

KNIGHT 

(For the moment forgetting the interest of his antici- 
pation.) "Unclean," he cries. Poor scum of earth! 
He wanders searching for a bed whereon to lie his 
rotting bones, and yet so foul his flesh that none will 
give it him. There many are as foul of heart who lie 
on beds of feather down, but get less honest sleep than 
he. (As Phirons bends down the better to observe some- 
thing that he sees.) What do you see? 

PHIRONS 

A figure moves between the tents, now comes into 
my eyes — now gone. 

KNIGHT 

Man or woman? 



iij^ii 



56 THE WANDERING JEW 

PHIRONS 

I cannot tell. 

KNIGHT 

(Rising — clasping his hands.) Then I can tell. 
Each step that figure takes falls here. (He strikes 
his hand on his heart, then with settled deliberation he 
crosses swiftly to a chest that stands against the canvas up 
S.R., taking from it first one sword, trying it, then an- 
other. Finally he selects an Oriental scimitar and, closing 
the chest, comes down to S.C.) Leave watching and 
come here to me. (Phirons comes to his side.) This 
is a blade I would not lose for twice one thousand 
crowns. Take it, and when my lady comes keep you a 
guard outside the tent as close as your last drop of 
blood can make it. Get you without now and let her 
enter as she wills. 

[Phirons takes the sword, handles the weight 
of it, bows to his master, and then exits 
by tent entrance. 
[The Knight stands with his back to the audi- 
ence, absolutely still, the whole line of his 
figure suggesting the intense emotion of his 
anticipation as he watches the entrance. 
As he stands there the flap of the tent 
is drawn aside and Joanne, hooded and 
in a rich blue cloak, comes hurriedly into 
the tent. Without a word of welcome the 
Knight immediately goes up S., hanging 
a curtain across the entrance; then turning 
and coming down S. to her as she stands 
there, half-nervous, half -amazed at her own 
enterprise, facing the lights. 



THE WANDERING JEW 57 

KNIGHT 

{At her side.) Now are your eyes open ? Now can 
you see the man I am? (He stands before her as she 
looks at him.) 

JOANNE 

{Her head droops as her eyes fall before the passion 
in his.) 'Twas true you said I knew. 

KNIGHT 

What is this cloak? {He comes to her to take it off.) 
We do not need disguises here. Here are we — our two 
selves. Let me see you, as you see me. 

[Slowly she takes off the cloak, revealing herself 
in the long, loose gown of that period. 
He takes the cloak from her, placing it on 
the seat by the table, then returning to her, 
feasting his eyes with her and taking her 
hands in his.] 

JOANNE 

Why have I come, my lord ? Can you explain me 
that? It was a dream I walked in, as I came here 
to your tent. And shame I had for company, yet 
could not turn me back. Have you the power of 
magic in your voice, or what spell was it drew me here 
as though, were the world ending, I could not refuse? 

KNIGHT 

'Twas love that brought you, and when 'tis love 
that brings, it carries in a whirlwind none can stay. 



58 THE WANDERING JEW 

JOANNE 

Then is this love, my lord ? If so, 'twill be a bitter 
thing with all its sweetness, and leave upon the tongue 
a taste that lingers with remorse. 

KNIGHT 

I do not know remorse. 

JOANNE 

Why, then, you pay no price, and some things are 
the sweeter that they cost the more. 

KNIGHT 

How should you know what price I pay? Both of 
us here, we bargain to forget — you, that besotted thing 
your life is unioned with, and now you hesitate to pay 
the cost. And I — what price is mine? An hour's 
oblivion in your arms and at such a rate of usury that 
I can never hope discharge the debt. {He strides up 
to the curtain and half pulls it aside.) Go, lady, if you 
will. I will not steal forgetfulness. But here and 
there and every place I go, I take it where I can. Go, 
if you will — my man-at-arms has charge alone to hin- 
der those who come within. 

[Joanne stands without movement down S.C. 
Watching her for a moment and waiting 
for her answer, he drops the curtain and 
comes hack to her. 

knight 
You do not go? 



THE WANDERING JEW 59 

JOANNE 

(Looking up with passionate submission into his 
eyes.) I cannot go, my lord. 

[He seizes her hands and a moment holds them 
as he looks into her eyes, then, in the full 
abandonment of passion, catches her in his 
arms, covering her neck and face with 
kisses. 

KNIGHT 

When first I saw you in the streets of Tarsus, I saw 
this moment then. 

JOANNE 

(Amazed.) You saw me then, my lord? But how? 

KNIGHT 

(Leading her to the couch and sitting beside her.) I 
was amongst the crowd of those to watch the Crusad- 
ing Arms pass by. 

JOANNE 

And straightway then ? 

KNIGHT 

From that one moment's glance I knew, and, fol- 
lowing at my distance, came to Antioch. I've watched 
that man your life is wedded to. I've watched the 
hunger in your eyes. I've chid it bide its time, the 
hunger in my heart, well knowing that this hour would 
come — (he takes her hands and passionately kisses 
them) — when I could call you mine. 



6o THE WANDERING JEW 

JOANNE 

How found you then this entry to the lists? 

KNIGHT 

Nothing so easy when the heart is set on what's 
to do. 

JOANNE 

And yet you put your Hfe to hazard when most 
you needed it ? 

KNIGHT 

'Twas that way only I could catch your eye. 

JOANNE 

(Touching his hands gently.) But such a risk, my 
lord. Without a certain knowledge I must too have 
known, yet I was not as sure as you, for that was why 
I dared not watch the last encounter. The Sieur du 
Guesclin had it deep within his heart to slay you for 
the honour of our arms. From all they said I had 
made sure he would achieve his end. Had you no fear 
of death yourself? 

KNIGHT 

I? Fear of death? (He pauses as though he were 
about to tell her all his history and then refrains.) What 
should I fear? I knew the day was mine ! 

JOANNE 

(Faintly surprised at his conviction.) Knew? How 
could you know ? 



THE WANDERING JEW 6i 

KNIGHT 

{Realising he has said too much.) Did I not know- 
that you were waiting on the hour? (Pressing his 
heart.) Knew I not here you could not wait in vain! 

JOANNE 

I never met a man so sure of Fate as you. 

KNIGHT 

{Laying his hands on her shoulders.) You never 
met a man so burnt with love as I. That is the fate of 
us, and 'tis of that I'm sure. You will not call it love. 
What is it, then, to feel the very substance of my being 
stronger than death so it may claim you out of all 
the world? 

JOANNE 

{The strength of her mind giving way to his.) You 
speak of the body, but love is of the soul. Could you 
not love me thus, my lord? 

KNIGHT 

The soul! What soul have I? Souls only from 
dead bodies do depart, and here I live and still shall 
live to burn your lips with mine. {He kisses her.) As 
thus — {he kisses her again) — and thus, until no breath 
is left to kiss you with. {He holds her to him and kisses 
her again and again.) 

JOANNE 

{Leaning away from him, gasping for her breath and 
feeling on her breast for a stone pendant that hangs about 



62 THE WANDERING JEW 

her neck.) This hurts my breast, my lord, and yet I 
hardly felt the pain of it. {She takes it off and with 
a sudden impulse puts it in his hand.) It is an emerald 
stone my father gave me. Take it, my lord — 'tis 
yours. You've crushed it in my heart. No hand 
could steal the memory of it now. {As he hesitates.) 
'Tis yours. Keep it for memory, as I will keep the 
pain. 

KNIGHT 

{Looking at it in the palm of his hand and laying it 
down in acceptance on the couch. Then turning to her 
again and taking her fiercely in his arms so that she leans 
back against the shoulder of the couch.) This night, 
maybe, will not see out the end. You will not call it 
love? I'll make you call it love. So deep we'll drink 
oblivion in each other's arms, you'll lose all sense of 
petty squabblings in your heart of right or wrong. 
And when the parting comes, I'll bear it as I've borne 
before. 

JOANNE 

Why should we part, my lord? 

KNIGHT 

Death — that will steal you from me. 

JOANNE 

Might we not die together — might we not die, and 
even now? 

KNIGHT 

Not now. {He partly releases his hold of her as his 
mind centres for the instant on his fate.) Not even then. 



THE WANDERING JEW 63 

*Tis I must taste the bitterness of that. (She raises 
herself on her elbow to look at him. He thrusts his 
thoughts from him and takes her arms to bind them round 
his neck.) Hold fast your arms about me. Now for 
this earthly moment I can live and yet forget. 

[Just as he is about to take her in his arms, she 
loosens her arms from his neck and with a 
look of horror that is yet no more than first 
suspicion, she presses him from her. 

JOANNE 

What is this thing you are so eager to forget ? 

KNIGHT 

{Trying to hold her to him.) Pay you no heed to 
what I say ! All my talk's madness now. 

JOANNE 

{Beginning to struggle now to hold him from her.) 
Was it madness to say the parting would be yours? 
To say we could not die together, you and I? Why 
should we not? Why should we not? Death is for 
me in God's good time; you said that death would 
be for me. Why not for you ? Speak to me ! Speak ! 
Why not for you ? 

KNIGHT 

What is the meaning of those questions heaping up? 
Where is the doubt they build on ? Are you not sure 
that all my heart beats here to love you with ? 



64 THE WANDERING JEW 

JOANNE 

{Following the train of her thought, dogged by the 
increasing suspicion in her mind.) You had not fear 
of death. The day was yours, you said — you knew it. 
He could not kill you for you knew your fate; and then 
again, an hour's oblivion in my arms and at such rate 
of usury as you could never hope discharge. In God's 
name, who are you ? 

KNIGHT 

{Catching her as she is about to rise in horror from his 
side, and bearing her back on the couch as she struggles to 
free herself.) 'Tis all too late to ask me that. 

JOANNE 

Too late to ask — but not too late to know. 

[Such horror and loathing is there in her voice 
that at the sound of these words he is for an 
instant arrested, and insensibly relaxes his 
hold of her as he gazes at the horror in her 
face. 

KNIGHT 

What do you know? 

JOANNE 

{Slipping from his arms and rising from the couch as 
she retreats from him.) 'Tis he they spoke of 

KNIGHT 

Who spoke? Of whom? 



THE WANDERING JEW 6$ 

JOANNE 

Of one who comes and goes about the world. 
(Shuddering as she stares at him.) Of one so vile, that 
even lepers would not beg their alms of him. 

KNIGHT 

(Rising — a different man before her knowledge.) 
Whom do you speak of with such bitter tongue? 

JOANNE 

Of him that did blaspheme the light of God. Of 
him they call the Wandering Jew. (She searches him 
with her eyes. He meets her gaze.) Where's your denial 
if you do find the words are bitter on my tongue? 

KNIGHT 

I'll not deny. 'Tis true I spat upon the Nazarene, 
and I would spit again if He did cross my way. 

JOANNE 

(Recoiling from him.) Oh ! What horror then have 
I escaped! So near you'd found the depths of me. 
So near you'd beckoned me to follow you to Hell. 
(Laughing hysterically.) And I did try persuasions 
with you it was love. Love ! What could you know 
of love? "What soul have I?" you said. Indeed! 
What soul ! And what soul ever will you have in all 
the age of time who only know the hunger of the 
beasts ? And I had thought you brave to play at haz- 
ard in the lists with Death. Brave ! Why should you 
fear? You cannot taste of Death until He comes to 



66 THE WANDERING JEW 

you again, nor will He ever come until you have a soul 
above the dust. (She goes to the stool on which her 
cloak is lying and picks it up.) 

KNIGHT 

{As she puts her cloak about her.) I bid you go be- 
fore. Was that such hunger as you say? But now 
when you have touched your body against mine be- 
think you not that I might make you stay ? Who is to 
hinder me? 

JOANNE 

Not who — but what ? Is not the loathing such as 
this I have a sword to shield me? For when I think 
that mine have touched those lips that spat on Christ ! 
Oh, sainted Mother! Shall I ever wash them clean? 

[She pulls her cloak about her in readiness to go 
and makes a movement towards the en- 
trance of the tent. 

KNIGHT 

(Swiftly crossing to her and seizing her by the wrist.) 
Bethink you it means aught to me of love or loathing, 
now my need is set? (Against all her efforts of resist- 
ance he takes her in his arms.) These lips shall kiss 
again — (he kisses her) — and yet again. And hating me 
will only add a savour to the taste of them. (As she 
struggles in his arms he laughs at her efforts.) Fight on, 
brave bird! The net is fast about you! If this be 
Hell, you have come too far down the road to turn 
your footsteps back. If this be vile, you've sinned too 



THE WANDERING JEW 67 

far already in your mind for cheating God, and shall 
not cheat me with your body now. 

[He is just about to lift her in his arms to carry 
her to the couch when the bell is heard again 
in the distance, a little nearer than before, 
and the voice cries in the same monotonous 
tone: " Unclean — Unclean — Unclean." 
Involuntarily his arms relax from her as he 
listens, and finding herself free she creeps 
towards the entrance of the tent, keeping her 
eyes on him as she goes, expecting him 
every moment to take her again by force. 
Her last steps are hurried as she goes out. 

[Exit Joanne. 

[He stands at S.C. watching her as she goes, 
dazed in this first realisation of himself. 

KNIGHT 

{In the first awakening of his mind to the purpose of 
his soul.) Unclean. 

CURTAIN 



PHASE III 



69 



CHARACTERS 



Matteo Bottadio 
Andrea Michelotti 

PlETRO MORELLI . 

Mario . 
GiANELLA Bottadio 



A Merchant. 
A Padre. 
A Servant. 
Matteo's Wife. 



71 



PHASE III 
period, 1290 a.d. 

Scene 

A room in the house of Matteo Bottadio, the 

Wandering Jew, in this period a rich merchant of the 
city of Palermo, in Sicily. 

There is a curtained entrance down S.L. Up S., 
across the full breadth of the stage, stretches a loggia, over- 
grown with grape vines, through the openings of which 
can be seen in the distance the deep blue curve of the bay, 
while in the middle distance to the left rises a hill grey 
with olive trees, on the summit of which can be seen the 
white tower of the church and the white walls of the con- 
vent of Santa Maria di Latinis. 

As curtain rises, stage is empty, but immediately 
there appears on the loggia Andrea Michelotti. He 
rings a bell that is hanging from one of the rafters. 
Scarcely waiting for his summons to be answered, he 
rings again. 

Enter Mario hurriedly through curtained entrance S.L. 

MARIO 

Sir? 

ANDREA 

I am Andrea Michelotti, merchant of Messina. 
I am a friend of your master's and must speak with 
him at once. 

73 



74 THE WANDERING JEW 

MARIO 

This is the Sabbath, sir; my master's at his prayers. 

ANDREA 

Praying will not avail him 'gainst the case I bring. 
Since when has he thus taken to his knees ? 

MARIO 

Since that his son was dead, sir, he has been long 
in prayer each day. 

ANDREA 

When did the boy die? 

MARIO 

Two weeks have gone since he was stricken with 
the sun. They brought him through the loggia there 
when they had found him near yon convent on the 
hill, and in this room he spent an hour in agony ere 
he died. 

ANDREA 

Well, well — disturb his prayers, lest he lose more 
than they could succour him. Tell him I have some 
news that needs but little time and it will speak itself. 

MARIO 

(Bowing.) I go at once, sir. 

[Exit Mario S.L. 



THE WANDERING JEW 75 

[Andrea walks up and down the room in great 
disturbance of mind. As he stands for 
a moment down S., Pietro Morelli, the 
Padre, walks into the loggia as though he 
were about to enter the room. Seeing 
Andrea, he turns away. Hearing his 
footsteps, Andrea turns just too late to 
catch sight of him. In curiosity he 
moves up S. and looks out. He is in this 
position when Matteo Bottadio enters 
at S.L. 

ANDREA 

{Coming hastily down S. to greet him.) Matteo! 
{They embrace.) 

MATTEO 

What is this news that cannot wait the offer of a 
single prayer? 

ANDREA 

Matteo, the Emperor has undertaken war. 

MATTEO 

War! May he grow rich upon it! 

ANDREA 

{Significantly.) He needs his riches first. 

MATTEO 

{Seizing him by the arm he realises the significance 
of this.) Speak out, Andrea. Say the worst. 



76 THE WANDERING JEW 

ANDREA 

Our time of peace is over, Matteo. The persecu- 
tion has begun again. 

MATTEO 

Where? Where does it fester now? 

ANDREA 

Three Jews but yesterday were killed in the town 
of Messina, and all their goods were confiscated by the 
State. Three days ago, there in Ajaccio, six more 
were taken, two under torture, four burnt at the stake. 
Our few short years of peace are gone. 

MATTEO 

Your sign is sure enough. This scourge of perse- 
cution is a fire which, with a favouring wind to fan it, 
spreads like contagion through the land. Oft have I 
watched its flames lick up the startled heavens, whilst 
all across the breadth of Europe lifted the cries of our 
unhappy race. {In despair.) What is this curse that 
wreaks itself on them — and me ! 

ANDREA 

You know as well as I the thing they say. 

MATTEO 

{Half to himself. ) That we did crucify their Christ. 

ANDREA 

A Jew as we are! Had we no right to mete out 
justice to our own? 



THE WANDERING JEW 77 

MATTEO 

( Turning away from him .) And yet — for well-nigh 
thirteen hundred years ! What an eternity of punish- 
ment to have lived ! 

ANDREA 

'Twill be our last, Matteo, if we do not set Palermo 
at our backs tonight. 

MATTEO 

{Turning quickly and coming to him in a sudden 
fear of realisation.) Our last, Andrea! Why should 
I fear that now? 

ANDREA 

Your blood is warm, Matteo. Why wonder that 
a fear of death should chill it ? You are a young man 
still. 

MATTEO 

{With a hollow and hitter laugh.) Still! Still! 
{His tone changes.) I am a man, Andrea, who has 
heaped out the bitterness of life with things his hands 
can finger and his heart can call his own. These only 
do remain while those we cherish most come to the dust 
and leave no particle for memory. Where is my son 
now who, but a few days gone, was clinging in my 
arms? The dust is in his eyes that once were bright 
with love. Let but a year pass by and I cotild take 
him in my hand as thus — {he holds out his hand as 
though it were full of dust) — and let him filter through 
my fingers. {He strides across to a table, picking up a 
jewelled crucifix that is lying there.) 'Tis only such as 
this remain. I bought it yesterday. A beggar had it 



78 THE WANDERING JEW 

'neath his shirt against the withered parchment of 
his breast, and hugged it there until the piece of gold 
I played with coaxed it from him. These gems are 
rare. 'Tis worth a thousand crowns of gold. And yet 
— (he holds it out before him) — though it is mine — {He 
suddenly raises his hand to dash it to the ground.) 

ANDREA 

{In consternation at the thought of its destruction, 
taking it from him.) Matteo ! Why destroy it ? You 
might sell it for a noble sum. 

MATTEO 

{Taking it greedily from Andrea's hand.) Then 
give it me. 'Tis mine. I'd no real thought to break 
it. {Looking at it strangely.) I should have once. 
Time was when I had had no fear. 

ANDREA 

{Laying his hands on Matteo's shoulder.) Friend, 
you speak strangely, and for the Bottadio I knew in 
Napoli you do, unlike yourself, leave the certain issue 
too long untouched for these vague speculations. What 
if it should be fear that made you set that bauble 
down? You have good cause for it. So have we all. 
One of your ships lies in the harbour now. Be well 
advised by me and flee tonight with all that you pos- 
sess, and ere the sun rise on another day, up anchor and 
be gone. 

matteo 

{Brushing his eyes with the back of his hand as he 
puts the thoughts from him.) You speak well, Andrea. 



THE WANDERING JEW 79 

This is no hour for wild thoughts. There are the years 
all yet to come. (As though he suddenly realised the 
full force of the fate that is overtaking them, he moves 
quickly to a great coffer chest at S.R., unlocking it and 
beginning to take out silks and embroideries, bags of 
money, small boxes containing precious stones, etc., 
talking all the time that he does so.) What would this 
be worth in open mart of Napoli today? {He partly 
unrolls a bale of silk and spreads it out for Andrea to 
see.) 

ANDREA 

{Feeling it with the touch of a connoisseur.) How 
did you come by this? 

MATTEO 

I sang a song and it fell in my hands. 

ANDREA 

'Twas not spun yesterday. 

MATTEO 

{Taking it from him — almost jealously — and rolling 
it up with hands that touch with love.) Nor yet the day 
before. {He lays it down, then out of the chest brings 
three crucifixes, one after the other, and laughs as he 
holds them out.) 'Twould make you think I had some 
failing in my heart for these. {Smiling.) Perhaps 
I have. Perhaps it turns a laugh in me to see them 
sell their Christ; for when their fortunes cross them 
they're all eagerness to sell, and when their fortunes 
smile they flatter Him and — buy. {Putting down 
two of the crucifixes and still holding one in his hand 



8o THE WANDERING JEW 

and looking at it before he puts it down.) Perhaps I 
have some failing in my heart to keep this — thing — 
this man — before my eyes. (Turning.) They swear, 
Andrea, that He has risen from the grave — and some 
there were did meet and speak with Him. (Fiercely.) 
'Tis all a lie ! He has not come the way of earth again. 



ANDREA 

Matteo — Matteo ! What is this change in you to 
linger thus? Speak! Speak! The sun is dropping 
even now. 

MATTEO 

(Putting the crucifix with other things and going 
on with his work.) You're right, Andrea. I some- 
times feel I am a different man. (He takes some other 
things out of the chest; then brings out a little box, is just 
about to put it down, when pride of possession impels 
him to show its contents. He brings out a big emerald 
and holds it up to the light, beckoning to Andrea to come 
and look at it.) 'Twas given me. 



ANDREA 

Given? What fool was it to give so much away? 
(He wants to take it in his hands but Matteo draws 
away.) 

MATTEO 

(Reminiscently.) She had no other folly than a 
beating heart. 



THE WANDERING JEW 8l 

ANDREA 

Where did she give it you? 

MATTEO 

Outside the walls of Antioch. 

ANDREA 

When were you in Antioch? 

MATTEO 

{Smiling to himself.) Some — ^years — ago. 

ANDREA 

You are a strange man, Matteo. Where are the 
places that your feet have never touched? 

MATTEO 

Where? Nowhere. I have travelled long and 
far. {He puts the box away, taking more things out of 
the chest, then, coming to a necklace of precious stones, 
he holds that up.) I bought that from another Jew in 
Cyprus, to lie on Gianella's neck — then feared that she 
might lose it and locked it there. Gianella! {His 
whole tone changes to that of jealous suspicion.) Where 
have my thoughts been gone since you did come here 
with your news? I cannot go tonight. 

ANDREA 

You cannot? 

6 



82 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEO 

Cannot! There is that to be made plain to me 
my mind is all confused with. My boy is gone from 
me. {He draws Andrea to him.) And now there 
steals a fear in me — my wife! 

ANDREA 

She too is ill? 

MATTEO 

111 at heart, Andrea. 

ANDREA 

Why, there it is the sorrow that she feels. 

MATTEO 

That might be so. She was distraught with grief, 
and for that cause I counted first the change her 
manner showed to me. 

ANDREA 

What change? 

MATTEO 

She does avoid who sought me once. Turns a 
deaf ear on all consolations. Each day since that 
our boy was dead, it is as though she heard some voice 
that called her from my side. When in the midst of 
talking, with a sigh she will rise up and leave me. 



THE WANDERING JEW 83 

ANDREA 

Grief will so turn a woman. Pity can never heal 
the wound a mother's heart sustains. 

MATTEO 

I thought so too, and had begun to set my count 
upon it. But there's some spirit come into the house 
to steal her from me. 

ANDREA 

What man would dare? 

MATTEO 

{Looking out towards the loggia, then closely at An- 
drea.) Pietro Morelli, a padre of Palermo. 'Twas he 
who found our boy up by the convent there. He 
found him stretched upon the hill like one who was 
already dead, and in his arms he brought him here and 
offered help, and watched with us beside him when he 
died. I took his hand in friendship — that hand that 
robs me now. I bade him come again — (bitterly) — and 
he has come ; again when I was here — again when I was 
not. Last week my business took me there to Napoli, 
and when I did return, my servant, Mario, told me he 
had been here each day — each day to see her. 

ANDREA 

Have you asked her of this? 

MATTEO 

I spoke his name in casual way and, unsuspicious, 
she did lie to me. He had been there; he came one 



84 THE WANDERING JEW 

day, she said, to make his kind inquiries, but no more. 
Lies ! Lies ! 

ANDREA 

'Twas him I heard, then, while I waited here. I 
went into the loggia to look out and saw the shoulders 
of a man in black drop down below the hill. 

MATTEO 

'Twas he. He comes to meet her, presuming on 
my friendship, and trusting for chance to speak with 
her alone. There's that in progress keeps me here 
tonight. 

ANDREA 

Why^ee^5you? Load a// you have. She's yours. 
Load all you have and then be gone. 

MATTEO 

Ah, take the husk and leave that which I need the 
most! 

ANDREA 

What more can you need than that she be a wife? 

MATTEO 

She has a soul, Andrea, above the littleness of life. 
'Tis that I cling to as it were one holding to a floating 
spar that bears his head above the water of a tossing 
sea. When in her eyes I see it there, I almost can 
believe that life is worth the courage and the patience 
we must bring to live it with. 



THE WANDERING JEW 85 

ANDREA 

How then could such an one prove false and give 
her body for a Christian's lust ? 

MATTEO 

You do not understand me; 'tis her heart she's 
given. What if her body is still mine? That sure I 
might have treasured once, but now her heart is gone, 
and what is left for touching's but the soiling clay. 

ANDREA 

You do not know this yet. Send for her now and 
tell her the news I bring. If they have meetings ready 
planned she'll fret at thought of going and dissemble 
and postpone. 

MATTEO 

That is well thought. I'll ask her which she sooner 
would, that we go now or take the treacherous hazard 
of another day; and if she hangs on fate, I'll leave her 
here alone. He waits his chance, that viper in his 
cloth of black. She knows he lingers on the hill. She'll 
call him in if I but stay her fears of my disturbance. 
So then, I'll watch them, and let him but touch her 
hand — {touching the knife in his girdle) — and then 

ANDREA 

(Fearful for his friend and for himself.) What 
would you do? 

MATTEO 

Is death too good that you could ask me what I'd 
do? (He claps his hands for Mario.) 



86 THE WANDERING JEW 

ANDREA 

Matteo, has jealousy made you mad? If you 
shall kill a padre of their Church, no hope could save 
you. The blade with which you strike you might well 
turn on yourself. 

MATTEO 

Suppose it broke — that blade. {In sudden thought 
of his fear of death.) It might not now. Yet would 
you have me with no entrails of a man, and stand in 
idleness whiles he tore out the heart of me? 

Enter Mario. 

Mario, fetch me your mistress — here, at once. 

[Mario bows and exits. 

[Matteo heaps all the things he has taken out 
of the chest, closes the chest, and piles them 
on the top. 

MATTEO 

These things have been my touch with life — till 
now. So we deceive the heart that's in us, Andrea, 
and never guess the lies we tell it — till it breaks. 

[Mario holds aside the curtain at S.L. for 
GiANELLA as she enters. 

GIANELLA 

{As the curtain falls behind her.) You sent for me. 



THE WANDERING JEW 87 

MATTEO 

Here is Andrea Michelotti, whom you will re- 
member — he of Napoli. 

ANDREA 

{Bowing to GiANELLA as she bows.) I am an un- 
welcome guest, Signora, for I have brought evil news. 

GIANELLA 

What news? 

MATTEO 

The persecution has begun again. All that we 
have, even our lives, are threatened. We must fly 
tonight. 

GIANELLA 

(Distressed.) Tonight? 

MATTEO 

{As they both watch her.) Why not tonight? 

GIANELLA 

Do you leave all you have behind you? 

MATTEO 

I do leave nothing that is mine. 

GIANELLA 

Yet what time is there, Matteo? Look — the 
evening's falling now. 



88 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEO 

Necessity will make time. 

ANDREA 

And sure necessity it is. Three Jews were killed 
in Messina yesterday, Signora. 

GIANELLA 

It was all quiet in Palermo. Yesterday is not 
today. 

MATTEO 

It may be tomorrow. Tomorrow all Sicily will be 
crying for our blood, and as it was in their Crusades 
when they waged war upon the Saracens, so now. 
They'll fill their coffers with our little all. 

GIANELLA 

But — but I must tend the grave before I go — the 
grave where he lies buried, and I must 

MATTEO 

And you must do of countless things that all con- 
trive to bid you say we cannot go tonight ? 

GIANELLA 

Matteo, have patience with me. This news is 
sudden as 'tis ill. I am all unprepared to hear it. 

MATTEO 

So be it. We do not go tonight; but I will see 
about my business now and make all ready to set sail 



THE WANDERING JEW 89 

tomorrow. Andrea here will come with us and he 
shall help — {He stops as Pietro Morelli appears on 
the loggia) — Ah ! here is our friend, the padre. Enter — 
enter, friend. Perhaps you come to hear our news. 

PIETRO 

{Coming down S.) What news? 

MATTEO 

Andrea Michelotti here has come post-haste from 
Messina to bring it us. 

PIETRO 

What news, sir? 

ANDREA 

They say the Emperor does need money for his 
chests of war. 

PIETRO 

{Smiling.) Well? That is an old tale. 



MATTEO 

Old as the Sistine Hills ! But where in need, think 
you, he'll seek it? When gold is needed for the arms 
of Christ, where does it come from, padre? Can you 
say? 

PIETRO 

How should I say? How do I know? 



90 THE WANDERING JEW 



MATTEO 

I'll tell you then. There comes a whisper like a 
cry far out at sea which all the winds of heaven gather 
slowly in their arms until they shout it out in thunder 
'cross the breadth of Europe — "From the Jews!" 
And straightway all the mighty engines of your faith 
all set at work to crush us to the dust. So has it been 
for thirteen hundred years. 

PIETRO 

Since that one evil day when they did nail Christ 
to the cross. 

MATTEO 

And — spat on Him. (Pause.) Gianella, the pa- 
dre is our guest. Attend on him whilst I and Andrea 
here go and make ready. J^et us not be disturbed. 
Light you the lantern for the padre, should he need it, 
when he goes. 

[Andrea bows and goes towards the curtain 
S.L. Matteo bows, Pietro does like- 
wise. Matteo goes to curtain, holding it 
aside for Andrea who goes out. Matteo 
follows him. 

GIANELLA 

(Standing a moment watching Pietro, then, as he 
takes a step towards her, about to speak.) Wait. I did 
not like the temper of his voice. (She goes to curtain, 
cautiously pulling it aside and looking through the open- 
ing, then, satisfied, returning to Pietro.) He has gone. 
Now tell me — what news? 



m 



THE WANDERING JEW 91 

PIETRO 

I bring a message from the convent on the hill. 

GIANELLA 

You have spoken with the Abbess? 

PIETRO 

This day I spoke with her. 

GIANELLA 

What has she said? 

PIETRO 

She will accept you this very night, and on the 
morrow the Bishop of Palermo will there attend to 
receive you into Holy Mother Church. 

[As he finishes speaking, Matteo appears on 
the loggia. He creeps cautiously, seeking 
shelter behind one of the pillars, where he 
watches them. 

GIANELLA 

Then so it comes at last, and all my prayers are 
answered. Yet now that my soul is sated full with 
joy, my heart beats sadly for him I must leave behind. 

PIETRO 

With your example set before his eyes, might he 
not too embrace the faith? 



92 THE WANDERING JEW 

GIANELLA 

Never ! No torture is devised that could wring out 
a Christian oath from him. 



PIETRO 

Would you rather that I left you so ? The Church 
invites but not compels. 



GIANELLA 

It does compel me, Father, in my soul. I know 
that there alone is peace for me. And yet he loves me 
in some wild jealous way, as he would love the thing 
he calls his own. 

[The evening is falling fast now, and the light 
is dying in the sky. The figure of Matteo 
can hut dimly he seen behind the pillar 
of the loggia. 

PIETRO 

{Coming to Gian ella. ) Signora, Christ calls those 
who will hear His voice. Maybe the time will come 
when He will call your husband too. This is your 
parting of the ways. He is not jealous, but you cannot 
keep your all and follow Him. Search closely in your 
heart before you take this way. He does not ask a 
greater love than they can give who find it in their 
souls to come to Him. But love is love and gives with 
both its hands, nor hides nor cheats itself to hold aught 
back. 



THE WANDERING JEW 93 

GIANELLA 

Then that is how I love, Father, and that is how 
I come to Him, with both hands open — {she holds them 
out) — and with both hands full 

PIETRO 

{Taking her hands in his.) I knew it must be so. 
Christ never calls in vain. 

[He stops, letting fall her hands, as Matteo 
strides into the room from the loggia. His 
knife is in his hand as he comes to Pietro 
with clear determination in his eyes to 
kill. 

MATTEO 

This moment is your last, padre! If prayers are 
on your tongue then say them quick. 

GIANELLA 

{Coming swiftly to him and holding his arm.) 
Matteo ! Matteo ! What would you do ? 

MATTEO 

I could not hear how he did speak his love, but 
all do speak the same. Your hands were held in his 
that would not touch a Christian so if love were not 
the cause of it. Take off your hand! {He pushes 
her aside.) I'll wait one moment for his prayers. 

GIANELLA 

Matteo! This is not true. He takes me for the 
Church, not for himself. 



94 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEO 

{Dropping his hand that holds the knife.) What's 
that you say ? 

GIANELLA 

Tonight the Abbess admits me to the Convent 
of Santa Maria di Latinis. 

MATTEO 

This is not true ! 'Tis all a lie to blind me. 

GIANELLA 

It is true, Matteo. The light of God has fallen 
on my soul. 

MATTEO 

{Standing away from her in horror, then looking 
at PiETRO.) This is the viper that has stung you! 

GIANELLA 

There is no poison in my mind but the clear light 
of God. 

MATTEO 

{Approaching Pietro.) Today I thought you 
were her lover, setting your snare to steal her body 
from my arms; but thus to steal her soul — that is a 
theft more damnable than all. 

pietro 
I have stolen nothing. Her soul is still her own 
and never has been in another's keeping. 



THE WANDERING JEW 95 

MATTEO 

Her soul, you say. How have you done this thing ? 
{He takes his arm and turns him round to see his face.) 
What magic have you used? {He looks into his eyes.) 
No! There's no such light in yours. What is this 
trick you Christians play? 

PIETRO 

No trick, Matteo. Her wandering spirit in her 
grief has found her Christ. 

MATTEO 

Found Christ ! The Nazarene ! 

GIANELLA 

Deep in my heart, Matteo, He has come to me. 

MATTEO 

{Hiding his face in his hands.) The Nazarene! 
What is His purpose thus with me to ever turn the 
joys of life to ashes on my tongue? {Turning to 
PiETRO with a depth of pain in his voice.) Leave us. 
If she must bid farewell to me, then let us be alone. 

GIANELLA 

{To PiETRO.) Wait for me there upon the hill and 
I will join you soon. 

[PiETRO bows his head and exits. 

MATTEO 

{Standing a moment staring at her, then crossing to 
her.) This is not true ! 



96 THE WANDERING JEW 

GIANELLA 

It is. {She points towards the convent.) My only 
peace of mind is there. 

MATTEO 

If in the name of love I prayed you stay, would 
you not stay with me? 

GIANELLA 

It would not be for love, Matteo, if you prayed me 
that. The love that burns in you is only jealous to 
possess. 

MATTEO 

Where else is it, if not in love, a man can claim his 
own? 

GIANELLA 

Love gives, Matteo, not demands. Could you but 
give you might then gain. 

MATTEO 

{Putting his arms about her and holding her to him. 
Behind her hack it can he seen he has his knife ready 
in his hand to press into her vitals.) Yet if I hold you 
thus and for the love you were content to once call 
love, should swear I would not let you go, what would 
you do? 

GIANELLA 

Would not your arms grow tired in time? To 
gain and keep the thing you need, and so believe it is 
your touch with life — that is the end. 



THE WANDERING JEW 97 

MATTEO 

(Holding her more closely to him as though there were 
a terror in his heart to lose her.) But, Gianella, you 
have meant so much to me. If I should lose you, 
now our boy is gone, the very world were emptied 
like a pitcher at my feet, and I must bear the drought 
of life alone. 

GIANELLA 

Matteo, we belong not to each other, but to God. 
I do not go because I would, I go because I must. 

MATTEO 

{Passionately.) Yet here's our life together now. 
As long as breath is in you, you belong to me. The 
dust is God's. Let Him take that when He has made 
it His. 

GIANELLA 

What is this life but dust ? Dust rising into shape 
beneath the breath of God, and sinking into dust again 
as it comes to its end ? 

MATTEO 

But if I held you thus until the end, and if that 
end were near ? 

GIANELLA 

What end? 

MATTEO 

{Preparing to press home his knife.) Death! 

7 



98 THE WANDERING JEW 

GIANELLA 

If you would kill me, then I still should be with 
Christ. 

MATTEO 

{His arms falling limply from about her.) Have 
you no fear of death ? 



GIANELLA 

Not now that He has come to me. 



MATTEO 

(Standing away from her.) Take up your lantern 
then and go. (He bows his head to the inevitable.) 
I am not he who dares to deal with death. 

[GiANELLA slowly moves towards the loggia, 
where she picks up the lantern and with a 
tinder lights it, then crosses the loggia into 
the fallen darkness. The light of her 
lantern can be seen swinging in her hand 
as she moves across the hill in the darkness. 
Matteo stands there watching it almost as 
though he were drawn to follow. Andrea 
at this moment enters through the curtain 
down S.L. Coming to Matteo's side^ 
he stands watching him. 



ANDREA 

What light is that? 



THE WANDERING JEW 99 

MATTEO 

(In a hollow voice.) That is the light by which 
some tread their way to Christ. 

[As he takes half a step forward, Andrea lays 
his hand on his shoulder, detaining him. 
He stops but does not turn, standing there 
and watching the light as it goes away in 
the distance. 

SLOW CURTAIN 



PHASE IV 



lOI 



CHARACTERS 



Matteos Battadios 
Juan de Texeda 
Gonzalez Ferera 
Alonzo Castro 
Lazzaro Zapportas 
Arnaldo Zapportas 
Al Kazar 
Maria Zapportas 
Olalla Quintana 



The Wandering Jew. 

Inquisitor-General. 

The Fiscal. 

The Confessor. 

A Jew Merchant. 

His Son. 

A Moorish Servant. 

The Merchant's Wife. 

A Hariot. 



Usher, Bellman's Crier, Councillors of the Inquisition, 

Soldiers, Men and Women of Seville, a 

Messenger. 



103 



SCENE I 
period, 1560 a.d. 

Scene 

This is a room in Matteos Battadios' house in 
Seville. There is an entrance up S.C. into the street. 
Another entrance covered by a curtain S.L. 

{As curtain rises, Al Kazar, the Moorish servant, 
is speaking to a messenger, a native of Seville, dressed 
in the costume of a poor man of the period.) 

AL KAZAR 

Since she is not in her house and they know nought 
of where she is, my master bids you seek the Church 
of San Stefanos. If she is not there upon her knees 
ask of the confessor if he has tended to Olalla Quintana 
this morn. Go with all speed and come not back again 
till you bring news of her. 

[The servant takes the messenger to the door 
and shows him out. Then, having closed it 
and as he comes back to exit at S.L., a 
knocking falls on the street door. Imper- 
turbably he turns back and goes back to door 
up S.C. 

ZAPPORTAS 

{Appearing with his wife and child in the street as 
the door is opened.) Is this the house of the doctor, 
Battadios? 

105 



io6 THE WANDERING JEW 

SERVANT 

It is. 

SERVANT 

(Admitting Zapportas and his wife and child.) 
Enter. 

zapportas 
Can I have speech with him ? 

servant 
My master will attend you here. 

[Exit Servant S.L. 

zapportas 
(Looking about him at the magnificence of the room 
in which he finds himself.) Sick bodies serve these 
doctors well. This Battadios will dip deep his hand 
in my purse ere he heals the boy. 

MARIA 

He's the most learned doctor in Seville. Tney say 
there is no man so wise or good. I heard but yesterday 
there is one Olalla Quintana, a harlot, and he has saved 
her from disgrace and brought her to her faith again. 
Of such deeds to what better man could we have come ? 

zapportas 
Deeds are not skill. A doctor in our quarter would 
have done as well. (He looks about the room, moving 
here and there, and examining various things as he 
speaks.) 



THE WANDERING JEW 107 

MARIA 

(With spirit rising — her voice with it.) Lazarro 
you do mingle usury with love. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Apprehensively.) Keep your lips closed upon that 
word. If he should hear my practice was of usury, 
he then would know that we were Jews. Have I not 
told you oft enough it better were to be a dog and 
prove the gutters of Seville than with their Inquisition 
spies abroad to be as one of us? 

MARIA 

What sin is it to be a Jew ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

They'll find the sin with speed enough if there be 
money there to pay its penance. The resources of the 
Inquisition will not fail by that. They say by usury — 
when 'tis by thrift — we suck the people's wealth into 
our purses. They make it known we've brought the 
leprosy to Spain. 

MARIA 

(With a note of fear.) The leprosy. 

ZAPPORTAS 

They say it is a plague peculiar to our people and is 
spread by them. 

MARIA 

That is a lie. 



io8 THE WANDERING JEW 

ZAPPORTAS 

It serves as well as truth. 

MARIA 

Can this be Christianity ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

One Christian only has there been. 'Tis He that 
was a Jew. (He has been walking round the room ex- 
amining various things, looking at them and appraising 
them greedily with his eyes as he talks. Coming to a 
dagger, he picks it up carefully.) Here is a treasure 
that a thousand years and more have kept for him to 
buy. The blade is broken in two pieces that are held 
together, but the hilt is sound. I'd pay five hundred 
crowns for this and make my price on it in any market 
you might name. 

[MatteOs Battadios pulls aside the curtains 
and is seen at S.L. 

battadios 
You wished to see me. (Indicating the dagger as 
ZAPPORTAS in confusion puts it down.) Is it about 
that? 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Confused.) Sir, I was but speaking of the beauty 
of its workmanship and age. 

MATTEOS 

(Crossing to him, taking it up in his hand and looking 
at it with a long glance, then at Zapportas.) You can 
appreciate? 



THE WANDERING JEW 109 

ZAPPORTAS 

The value ? It is worth at least two hundred and 
fifty crowns. 

MATTEOS 

{Looking at him straightly and comprehensively.) 
Would you purchase it for that? 

ZAPPORTAS 

{Eagerly.) I would. 

MATTEOS 

You would do well at such a price. {He puts it hack 
in its place.) But it is not for sale. 

ZAPPORTAS 

From what place, sir, did it come? 

MATTEOS 

I found it in a house in Jerusalem. 

ZAPPORTAS 

In Jerusalem ! The hilt has seen six hundred years 
and more. 

MATTEOS 

You reckon well, and wisely say " and more." But 
if not this, then what is it you wish of me ? 

MARIA 

Our son 



no THE WANDERING JEW 

ZAPPORTAS 

The boy is sick. He talks of fever in his eyes. 

MARIA 

And yesterday three sores broke out upon his skin. 

MATTEOS 

(Approaching Arnaldo.) Have you felt this fever 
long? 

ARNALDO 

For some three days, sir. 'Tis like two irons, all red 
hot, that press against my eyes. 

MATTEOS 

(Pulling aside curtain S.L.) Come this way. (As 
he passes out.) I will be with you now. 

[Exit Arnaldo. 
(To Zapportas.) Where do you come from? 

ZAPPORTAS 

I am of this city. 

MATTEOS 

Was this your place of birth? 

ZAPPORTAS 

No — no. I am of Catalonia. 

MATTEOS 

And that boy? 



THE WANDERING JEW in 

MARIA 

He was born in Seville. 

MATTEOS 

What age is he ? 

MARIA 

Thirteen years. 

MATTEOS 

{To Zapportas.) What trade have you here in 
Seville? 

zapportas 
I am a merchant, sir, an honourable trade. 

MATTEOS 

They say it is not oft a Jew does trade with honour. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(In fear.) Sir ! I am not a Jew ! I am a Spaniard 
and a good Christian. 

MATTEOS 

Seville has twenty Jews to one good Christian. 

ZAPPORTAS 

'Tis not for me to say that I am good. But I will 
swear I am a Spaniard and a Christian too. 



112 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

'Twere better keep your oaths for nobler purpose. 
{He moves to curtain S.L.) Presently I will return and 
give you my report. 

[Exit Matteos S.L. 

ZAPPORTAS 

{In fear.) What did he mean ? For nobler pur- 
pose? Why should he not believe my oath? 

MARIA 

'Twere hard to ring the note of truth, Lazarro, in 
such an oath as that. 

ZAPPORTAS 

And yet I spoke it firm enough. Maria! If he 
should be a spy ! 

MARIA 

This cannot be. They say his kindness to the poor 
is past belief. Two years ago, when all Seville was 
smitten with the plague, himself went out to every 
house, holding his life there in his hands, a sacrifice 
for rich and poor alike. How could a nature such as 
that descend to spying work? 

ZAPPORTAS 

I hear him come. His money's quickly earned. 

MARIA 

So soon. Then surely all is well. I have been 
nursing but a mother's fears. 



THE WANDERING JEW 113 

Enter Matteos S.L. He is alone. 

MARIA 

(Eagerly.) What is it, sir? 

MATTEOS 

'Tis what I did suspect. You both will need be 
stout of heart. 

MARIA 

(In fear.) What is it, sir? 

MATTEOS 

(looking steadily at them.) The leprosy. 

ZAPPORTAS 

God of Abraham! 

MATTEOS 

'Tis ever in the hour of need men claim the God 
they know. (Maria breaks down, crying bitterly.) 
Why had you shame to say you were a Jew ? (Laying 
his hand on Maria's shoulder.) Go to your son. (He 
leads her, weeping, towards curtain S.L. and shows her 
out.) Courage, not hope, will help you now. If it 
should fail you, come to me. 

[Exit Maria. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(As Matteos approaches him, grasping and clinging 
to his hand in an agony of fear.) Have pity, sir! It 
was not shame, but these are evil days in which to be 
a Jew. (His terror becomes pitiable.) God's blessing 
if you will have pity, sir! 

8 



114 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

My friend, so many times I've seen the terror that 
you feel. You have a little fortune saved, I know. 
That honest trade has served you well and now you 
fear to lose it all. It is your touch with life. 

ZAPPORTAS 

'Tis but enough, sir, for my needs. 

/ 

MATTEOS 

I know, I know. That cheats the ears of men, 
Zapportas. It does not cheat the ears of God. He 
knows too well your dearest need. 

ZAPPORTAS 

My dearest need? 

MATTEOS 

To hold what you have got, and to that end you'd 
swear you are a Christian and no Jew. As time goes 
on — even in your short years of life — you'll come to 
know it better were to spend than keep, and better 
than them all — to give away. 

ZAPPORTAS 

But, sir, if these Inquisitors do come to know, then 
I must give my life ! 

MATTEOS 

Fortunate man, fortunate man! By such means 
only can you gain it. You cry for pity and beg me 



THE WANDERING JEW 115 

save you, but there's such terror in your heart, my 
word alone could bring your conscience little ease. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Shaking with fear.) If you would give your oath, 
I would believe. 

MATTEOS 

Oaths are but sentiments of faith. Yet if you need 
assurance, would I betray my own ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Amazed.) You are a Jew? 

MATTEOS 

'Twas that I said. 

ZAPPORTAS 

But all do think you are a Christian in Seville. 

MATTEOS 

All men are Christians — all are Jews. The avowal 
of his faith does only mask a man. It does not make 
him what he is. Get you from the city now as quickly 
as you may. I'll send your wife and son to you. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Turning at door suspiciously.) How do I know 
you will keep faith with me ? 

MATTEOS 

Look in your own heart. You will find it there. 



ii6 THE WANDERING JEW 

ZAPPORTAS 

(As he goes.) I find no trust of any man when I 
look in my heart. {As he turns.) My life is in your 
hands, sir, and 'tis dear to me. 

[Zapportas tries to look him in the face, then, 
lowering his head, he goes. Exit Zap- 
portas. 
[Matteos watches him go, then moves across 
to where the dagger is lying and picks it 
up, reminiscently looking at it as it lies 
in his hand. He does not look round as 
a knock falls imperatively on the door. A 
moment later the Moorish servant enters, 
goes to the door and opens it, when Olalla 
is seen standing in the street. Her voice 
and manner are distracted. 

olalla 
{Out of breath.) Your master in? 

MATTEOS 

{Putting the dagger down and turning at once.) 
Olalla! 

[She comes in swiftly, crossing at once to him. 
They stand waiting while the servant exits 
S.L. 

MATTEOS 

Where have you been ? What has happened? 

OLALLA 

An evil thing has happened, master. This mom, 
as I was going to the Church of San Stef anos, two men 



THE WANDERING JEW 117 

stepped out from some place where there was none 
about and bid me in Texeda's name to follow them and 
say no word. 

MATTEOS 

Texeda ! The Inquisitor-General. 



OLALLA 

They brought me before him in the council cham- 
ber and, from a paper, these words : " It would go hard 
with Christ to know His own, if He should come again. " 



MATTEOS 

My words to you. 

OLALLA 

And mine to some poor fool v/ho spread them swift 
about. They asked me what I meant by them, which, 
as you spoke them, meant so much to me and, as I 
answered, gave such poor accou'nt. It seemed they 
satisfied themselves the words were not the texture of 
my mind, for when they'd plied me questions one upon 
another fast, they let me go. 

MATTEOS 

{Smiling at her.) The fox to his lair, the bird to 
her nest. 

OLALLA 

Master ! What do you mean ? 



ii8 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

Had you so fondly thought they'd set you free? 
They did but send you back to seek the hand that fed 
you. 

[She stares at him in horror for a moment, then, 
hurrying swiftly to the window, she cau- 
tiously pulls the curtains and looks out, 
dropping the curtains suddenly with an 
exclamation of fear. 

OLALLA 

Two men stand there and talk together in the 
street ! 'Tis scarce an hour I saw them in the council 
chamber ! 

MATTEOS 

That was as sure as any beast is set of purpose when 
he drives his prey to earth. 

OLALLA 

Oh, tell me what to do. For in my heart I am 
afraid. 

MATTEOS 

Afraid of what? 

OLALLA 

Their tortures and their hands upon my neck. 

MATTEOS 

You need not fear. It is the heart that spoke those 
words they need. The lips are nought to them. 



THE WANDERING JEW 119 

OLALLA 

{Looking at him in horror — then suddenly bend- 
ing down, taking his hand and pressing it to her lips.) 
Master! What have I done? God could not rob 
me thus ! 

MATTEOS 

Of what could you be robbed? 

OLALLA 

Of love. I love you as Mary of Magdalene must 
have loved her Christ. 

MATTEOS 

{Taking his hand from her and closing his eyes in 
inner contemplation.) The Nazarene. 

OLALLA 

*Tis what you seem to me. 

MATTEOS 

Has He then come so near to me as that ? Had 
you but seen Him, Olalla, you would not speak such 
idle words as these. His eyes, His voice, alone they 
would have stilled your fears. He would have made 
you ready to take hands with death. 'Tis not in me 
to do such thing as that. {With sudden inspiration 
of prescience.) Yet there is one thing, if the God of 
Heaven grants it, I can do. 

OLALLA 

What shall it be? 



I20 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

(Taking her hands.) You fear to die. Then 
death's not yet for you. It has been long for me. (He 
turns towards the curtain at S.L.) 

OLALLA 

(Stretching out her hand in frightened apprehension 
and detaining him.) What do you mean to do? 

MATTEOS 

Call my servant and bid him bring those men 
within. 

OLALLA 

Master — it might mean death ! 

MATTEOS 

Could it mean more? It might so well mean less. 
Some days ago, do you recall, we talked of death — the 
great mysterious journey on which a man sets forth 
from this ill-kept and troubled harbour of his life. 

OLALLA 

I do recall it, every word. 

MATTEOS 

So then would I set forth. This life has harboured 
me too long, and all my soul is aching with the chains 
that bind me. But now upon my ears this sounds as 
though it were a summons to the open sea. You come 
to me and bring me love. You've brought me more 



THE WANDERING JEW 121 

than that. Here, for some honest cause, to save you 
from the pains of death, I can submit my life, if 'tis 
acceptable, to God. 

OLALLA 

Your life ? But what is mine to yours ? But three 
months gone I was a harlot, spurned by everyone. My 
soul is not yet cleansed of it. 

MATTEOS 

Must you not live then till it is made clean ? 

OLALLA 

But they have set me free. They would not kill 
me now, and 3^oa would rob me of that staff on which 
I lean towards Christ. Master! Master! Have pity! 
I cannot walk alone. How could death mean so much 
to you as your life means to me ? 

MATTEOS 

{Now faced with the supr ernes t sacrifice in his life.) 
Ollala! If you but knew what memories you stirred! 
Once I did plead, as thus, to keep one by my side, 
because I feared to walk alone; but she was called, 
and I was left. 

OLALLA 

Surely there's none could call you from me now ! 
I need your life so much ! 

MATTEOS 

{Bowing his head in the anguish of his struggle with 
himself.) Is this the meaning of it all — that here, 



122 THE WANDERING JEW 

when most I thought I'd found the end, I must myself 
forego it ? {Beating his hands. ) Indeed, I see it all too 
clear. Still am I seeking to forget. Still am I setting 
up myself as once when I did spit on that I knew was 
truer than myself. Here's not the end ! I must go on. 
I must go on. 

[A knock falls heavily on the door. They both 
turn and stare at it. 

OLALLA 

Master! 'Tisthey! You will not leave me? 

MATTEOS 

( Touching her assuringly with his hand. ) You need 
not fear. 

[Al Kazar enters by curtains and goes to door, 
opening it, when Castro, the Confessor, 
and Ferera, the Fiscal, are seen outside. 
They enter without question. 

FERERA 

Sir, we have cause to ask you what is the meaning 
of this woman in your house ? 

OLALLA 

(Quickly.) I have been ill of health and am come 
here for his attendance. 

FERERA 

When we have need to question you, you can reply. 
I wait your answer, sir. 



THE WANDERING JEW 123 

MATTEOS 

I can content you with no better answer than you 
have received. 

FERERA 

I have it here upon the authority of the Holy 
Inquisition to bring you before the Council, where such 
questions will be put to you as must enforce reply. 

MATTEOS 

I am at your service. 

FERERA 

(Going with Castro to the door.) Then follow us. 

OLALLA 

(Beneath her breath.) Master! Master! You will 
not let me be alone ? 

MATTEOS 

Still have you fear I do not know the road? I do. 

[He follows them out into the street. Olalla 
drags her footsteps after them. 

CURTAIN 



124 THE WANDERING JEW 



SCENE II 

Scene 
The Tribunal Chamber of the Inquisition. As cur- 
tain rises the Councillors are seated at a long table, with 
Juan de Texeda, the Inquisitor-General, in the centre, 
and at the back of his chair, Castro, the Confessor, and 
Ferera, the Fiscal. 

texeda 

{Studying a document that lies on the table before 
him, then picking it up as he addresses the Councillors.) 
Brothers, in my experience there has been for long 
no matter of such deep import as this. The woman we 
saw yesterday, and did interrogate upon her heresy, 
we have had closely watched. We did believe the 
words she uttered in substance only were upon her lips. 
We did presume the spirit of their blasphemy had 
found its concept in some shrewder mind than hers. 
We asked ourselves what company she kept. We set 
her free to learn such knowledge for ourselves, well 
knowing how first her thoughts would be to seek for 
confidence the mind that nurtured her. 

FIRST COUNCILLOR 

Where was she found ? 

TEXEDA 

In the house of Matteos Battadios, whose name is 
known to all here present, and to the very walls of our 
Seville. 



THE WANDERING JEW 125 

FIRST COUNCILLOR 

Has he been arrested? 

TEXEDA 

Yesterday, without delay. He waits within our 
prison, and this Tribunal must now decide what is the 
proper course to take. I say this matter is of deep 
import, because, should but this charge be proved 
against him, it cannot be overlooked he is a man well 
known and loved of many in Seville — by poor and rich 
alike, for whom he oft has hazarded his life. Brothers, 
this is no ordinary offender, but one on whom, for the 
honour of this court, a judgment must be strictly 
weighed. 

Yet far above the honour of this court stands high 
the honour of the Church of Christ, in deep contempt 
of which, if it be proved against him, this man has 
uttered violent words. 

FERERA 

He may explain some other meaning to our satis- 
faction. 

TEXEDA 

Yet 'tis the man our wisdom has most need to dwell 
upon. Our issue then is first to learn, did he entrust 
such words to her? How does he bear himself? 

CASTRO 

Well. 

FIRST COUNCILLOR 

What has he said since he was brought here? 



126 THE WANDERING JEW 

CASTRO 

I have tried to draw him into speech, but he will 
not reply. "I will await my judgment." That was all 
he said. 

FERERA 

I had one set to watch him in his room last night. 

SECOND COUNCILLOR 

Was he at his prayers? 

TEXEDA 

If so, they were within the silence of his heart. He 
did not fall upon his knees, but sat there staring at the 
wall as though he waited for some sign to show itself. 

THIRD COUNCILLOR 

Let us question the woman Quintana before we 
have him here before us. 

TEXEDA 

It were as well. Let her be brought. 

[The Usher summons Olalla. In the pause 
that follows in these proceedings, Texeda 
consults with Ferera. 

Enter Usher with Olalla. 

TEXEDA 

How long has this Battadios been a doctor in 
Seville? 



THE WANDERING JEW 127 

FERERA 

Some sixteen or seventeen years. 

TEXEDA 

And before then? From whence had he come? 

FERERA 

I have inquired in every quarter. There is none 
who knows. 

Enter a soldier bringing Olalla. 

TEXEDA 

Young woman, did you think so easily to avoid 
the vigilance of this court ? So let me warn you ere 
you answer what we ask. Silence will not avail you, 
nor a lying tongue. What is the power this Battadios 
has on you that he can turn you from a life of shame ? 

OLALLA 

Such power, my lord, as sometimes it would seem 
to me the Christ did have on Mary Magdalene. 'Twas 
by the nobleness of all he taught me I did put away 
my shame. You cannot twist those words of mine 
to heresy in him who never uttered but the truest 
thoughts a man has breath to speak with. 

TEXEDA 

Would you persuade this court such words, intense 
with heresy, frothed but in idleness upon your lips ? 



128 THE WANDERING JEW 

OLALLA 

I do so swear it. 

TEXEDA 

And they were given you by none? 

OLALLA 

By none! 

[Texeda turns and consults in an undertone 
with Ferera, who advises him. Texeda 
inclines his head in agreement. 

[Enter a soldier of the Inquisition who speaks 
to the Usher, who crosses to Texeda. 

USHER 

Sir, there is without a witness who has such evi- 
dence, he says, as this court could well afford to hear. 

TEXEDA 

Which means he needs his price. What is his 
name? 

USHER 

Lazzaro Zapportas, a merchant of this city, trading 
in silk stuffs and the like. 



TEXEDA 

Let him come here. 



[Exit Usher. 



The wandering jew ta^ 

TEXEDA 

(Having consulted again with Ferera.) Take this 
young woman away, but keep her close. We may 
have need of her. 

[A soldier leads Olalla away and Lazzaro 
Zapportas is brought in. 

f^rerA 
Lazzaro Zapportas. 



ZAPPORTAS 

Sir. 

FERERA 

Of your free will you have come here to give the 
court such information as you truly do possess of this 
Matteos Battadios. 



ZAPPORTAS 

I hav6 such knowledge of the man, sir, as the 
Inquisition could afford to hear. 

TEXEDA 

If his informing be of serious import, see that he 
is rewarded when he goes 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Bowing gratefully.) I know you will reward me 
well when you have heard. 



130 THE WANDERING JEW 

FERERA 

How long has Battadios been known to you? 

ZAPPORTAS 

Since yesterday. My son had some slight sickness 
and we brought him to the house. 

TEXEDA 

What knowledge of the man can you have gained 
in such short time as that ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

Enough, sir, to explain this charge of heresy which 
has been raised against him. 

TEXEDA 

Come, speak it then, and let it be the truth. 

ZAPPORTAS 

It is the truth, but I must first demand he be not 
told who gave this knowledge that I bring. 

FOURTH COUNCILLOR 

Demand! 

TEXEDA 

None but the Emperor can demand. This court 
does not consent to bind itself. 

ZAPPORTAS 

Then, sirs, my lips are sealed. 



THE WANDERING JEW 131 

TEXEDA 

Doubtless you think so, but we have means here 
to unloose them. Take him to the torture. He'll 
not be silent long. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Consumed with fear.) Not torture, sirs ! My body 
is too weak. If I should die, how would my knowledge 
serve you then ? 

TEXEDA 

We'll look well to your health. {To the soldiers.) 
Take him away. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(As the soldiers take him away. ) Then I will speak 
now, for I could not bear the pain. 

TEXEDA 

Unless you speak the truth it will not serve you. 

ZAPPORTAS 

As God hears me I do speak the truth. Matteos 
Battadios is a Jew. 

TEXEDA 

A Jew! 

CASTRO 

You have such knowledge in a day which none have 
known since he came to Seville? 



tp THE WANDERING JEW 

ZAPPORTAS 

With his own lips he told me so. 

FERERA 

If this be true, 'tis in itself a very proof he spoke 
the words. He would convert this foolish woman 
to his faith. Here is enough to send him to the stake 
and not incur the anger of the people. 

TEXEDA 

Let him be brought here now, and keep this man 
at hand. If need be, we will bring them face to face. 
Take him away and bring this Battadios. 

[One soldier exits — the other takes Zapportas 
by the arm. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(^4^ he is being led away.) And the reward you 
promised, sir. 

TEXEDA 

Have no fear of that. When it is earned your 
payment shall be fully made. 

ZAPPORTAS 

I do not wish him ill, but thought such knowledge 
might well serve the court. I have said all I know. 
I've nothing to declare against the man. Can I not 
take my payment now and go? 



THE WANDERING JEW 133 

CASTRO 

{To Texeda.) There is a fear behind his heart, if 
he possesses one, to meet this doctor face to face. 



TEXEDA 

{To Zapportas.) What is your haste ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

I would be gone about my business, sir. 



TEXEDA 

Take him away; I have no patience with his 
eagerness. 

[Exit soldier roughly with Zapportas. 



FERERA 

If this be true we have an easier matter now to 
judge. 

FIRST COUNCILLOR 

When once the people know this Battadios is a 
Jew, justice, even if it be the stake, will not offend 
them. 

TEXEDA 

Still better if such a man, so well-beloved in all 
Seville, would take the faith and bring great honour 
to the Church. 



134 THE WANDERING JEW 

CASTRO 

(As the door opens.) Here comes he now. 
Enter Matteos Battadios. 

TEXEDA 

(Watching him.) There's something fearless in the 
man. He bears himself with courage. 

FERERA 

He faces but the instruments of death. How will 
his spirit muster before death itself? (As Matteos 
stands in his place.) You are Matteos Battadios? 

MATTEOS 

I am. 

FERERA 

And are a doctor in Seville? 

MATTEOS 

I am. 

FERERA 

The charge against you is of heresy. What have 
you to say? 

MATTEOS 

I have no word to say. 

TEXEDA 

Do you deny all authorship of these vile words 
which on her own admission this young woman has 



THE WANDERING JEW 135 

uttered in heresy against the Church? {He pauses 
for an answer .) '"Twouldgohard with Christ to know 
His own if He should come again? " {Pause.) I would 
advise you, sir, answer the court if justice is to be the 
measure of your guilt. 

MATTEOS 

I have no word to say. 

TEXEDA 

{Conferring with Ferera.) We can do nothing if 
he keep this silence close to guard him. 

FISCAL 

Send for the little man and so confront him now. 
If he's no Jew he'll speak to that. Once break reserve 
and then we'll trick him into words. 

TEXEDA 

{To Usher.) Bring in the witness we heaid last. 

[Exit Usher. 

TEXEDA 

{To Matteos.) We have one here who may in- 
cline you, sir, to loose your tongue, and instruments 
there are as v/ell within these walls that have been 
known to make the very dumb cry out with unsus- 
pected speech. I warn you now, these measures do 
you harm. 

[Matteos bows his head, then looks up as the 
soldier leads in Zapportas again to his 
place. 



136 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

{Regarding him quietly.) Is this your witness? 

ZAPPORTAS 

{In terror.) Good sirs, I pray you heed not what 
this man shall say. He has no love of me. 

MATTEOS 

What have you said, Lazzaro? 

FERERA 

The witness has declared upon his oath you are 
by blood and birth, a Jew. 

TEXEDA 

{After a pause.) Is that the truth ? 

MATTEOS 

I am a wandering member of a wandering race. 

TEXEDA 

Answer the court ! Are you a Jew ? 

MATTEOS 

Do you mistrust his word? 

TEXEDA 

This is no question of his word, but yours. Are 
you a Jew ? 



lam. 



THE WANDERING JEW 137 

MATTEOS 



TEXEDA 

(A mazed. ) You do confess it ! 

MATTEOS 

There is no power could wring denial from my lips. 

TEXEDA 

But what if it mean — death ? 

ZAPPORTAS 

Death! 

MATTEOS 

That is a great meaning, sir. 

TEXEDA 

Yet if from this it can be proved you taught this 
heresy, it then may mean no less. 

MATTEOS 

You know as well as I it can prove nothing if my 
deeds are not a menace to the people of Seville. 

TEXEDA 

How comes it then you have concealed the fact so 
long and now divulge it to the witness here? 



138 THE WANDERING JEW 

ZAPPORTAS 

Ask not that question, sir. He has a spite against 
me and will in vengeance wreak it if he can. 

MATTEOS 

Lazzaro, I have no vengeance in my heart. 

ZAPPORTAS 

No vengeance! 

MATTEOS 

'Tis not the soul of every man is greater than his 
moment when it comes. 

TEXEDA 

Our question waits an answer, sir. (Matteos does 
not reply.) Do you defy authority? 

MATTEOS 

This man is not upon his trial. There is no heresy 
in him. He has but spoken what he thought would aid 
the court. 

TEXEDA 

You speak as it were generous, sir, but here is one 
who sells his information, and shall give his proper 
weight. 

MATTEOS 

(Looking without anger at Lazzaro.) It was not 
worth a price, Lazzaro. You even would have found 
more ease of heart if you had given it away. 



THE WANDERING JEW 139 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Trying to face his glance, then dropping his eyes and 
turning to Texeda with a note of bitter self -recrimination 
in his voice.) May I not go now ? I have no more to 
say. 

TEXEDA 

No more? (He consults with Ferera.) You can 
but say that this man is a Jew. And what's your price 
for that? 

ZAPPORTAS 

(Bitterly.) I want no price. I care not what I get. 



FERERA 

(Smiling shrewdly.) This merchant is the first that 
I have known who cared not for his price because his 
goods were soiled. 

ZAPPORTAS 

(His deeper conscience crying out of him despite him- 
self.) What have I done? I did but speak the truth, 
and yet it seems within my heart a He had been of 
better service here. What have I done? 



MATTEOS 

You have but been a servant to your will, and in 
such servitude all must perform the menial things of 
fate. You've asked your price, Lazzaro — take it. 
You one day may be master of your soul. 



I40 THE WANDERING JEW 

TEXEDA 

{To the Usher.) We waste the time of the court. 
Dole out his money and let him go. 

[The Usher beckons ho Zapportas and counts 
out some money into his hand. He takes 
it as though each piece were burning metal 
in his hand. With his head bowed in 
shame he turns to the door. At the door 
he looks back, as though he knew it were the 
last time he would see him. 

[Exit Zapportas. 

TEXEDA 

{To Ferera.) We get no further. What if he is a 
Jew ? As he has said, his deeds are clear. The people 
would not suffer him to die, and it is plain to me the 
torture will not break the iron of his will. 



ferera 

Send for the girl. I have a torture that will give 
him pain. We'll make him wince and bend the iron 
till it snaps. 

{They consult.) 

TEXEDA 

{To the Usher.) Bring in the young woman again. 

[While the Usher is gone, Ferera and Castro 
consult in undertones with Texeda, who 
listens in agreement to all they say, evi- 
dently approving oj their advice. 



THE WANDERING JEW 14I 

Enter Olalla with a soldier. As she sees Matteos, 
her eyes turn to him in suffering. 

texeda 
{As she stands before him.) Closely we have ques- 
tioned this man and can extract no answer to our 
charge. It was no more than supposition of the court 
that with the power he had to influence you these 
words of heresy you do admit had come in thought and 
being from his mind. We cannot prove that this is so, 
therefore in all untainted justice we shall set him free. 

[Olalla clasps her hands in the emotion of her 
joy and gratitude. Texeda continues 
after a pause. 

But thus it is this court cannot accept your plea of 
idle words upon a thoughtless tongue. Too deeply 
meant this heresy appears to us, and so our sentence is 
that you shall die, and God in mercy cleanse your soul 
of it. 

[Olalla sways as she stands. The soldier 
supports her. 

Olalla 
{Standing a moment unsteadily, staring at them, 
unable to realise the meaning of it.) What have / done ? 
{With sudden realisation of the sentence she stumbles to 
the table at which the Council are sitting and, kneeling 
down, implores Texeda for mercy. Ferera closely 
watches Matteos.) My lord! My lord! I cannot 
die ! I am not clean enough to die. I am afraid to die. 
Oh, let me live a little longer yet. 



142 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

Olalla. 

OLALLA 

Master! I cannot hold my fear! It all seems 
closing black around me. Their hands will hurt. I 
cannot go to Death ! It frightens me. {Her voice rises 
to a pitch of hysteria.) Speak for me, Master ! Speak ! 

FERERA 

{Sharply questioning her and pursuing the advantage 
of her fear.) Why do you cry to him for help? How 
can he succour you? 

OLALLA 

He knows my heart is full of fear. 

FERERA 

How would that help you now? 

OLALLA 

I do not know. 

FERERA 

'Twere better that you did ! The torture will not 
comfort you so well as Death. 

OLALLA 

I do not know ! 

FERERA 

You called him "Master" ! What is it makes him 
that to you? 



THE WANDERING JEW 143 

OLALLA 

He has been that and more to me. 'Twas he that 
taught me {She stops, seeing how her fear is betray- 
ing her.) 

FERERA 

Go on — go on ! He taught you what? 

OLALLA 

I do not mean 

FERERA 

He taught you what? 

OLALLA 

Oh God ! What shall I say ! You do increase my 
fear! 

MATTEOS 

Hold fast your heart, Olalla. He cannot touch you 
there. 

FERERA 

Be silent ! When we have need of speech from you 
we'll ask of it. (He turns to Olalla.) The court has 
given sentence. Only your tongue can save you. 

OLALLA 

(Her voice rising to hysteria.) Speak for me, 
Master ! Speak ! 



144 I'HE WANDERING JEW 

FERERA 

Speak what? What shall he speak? 

OLALLA 

(Panting in her fear.) Oh, do not ask me more. I 
have no strength to say. 

FERERA 

What shall he speak? 

OLALLA 

(Clinging to the barrier.) I — I cannot say. I — I 
(She drops down.) 



FERERA 



If you would ease your fear of death, tell now the 
court what he should speak. 

OLALLA 

God's mercy! That which I begged him keep in 
silence. 

FERERA 

Now tell us what was that? 

(Almost unconscious of what she is saying.) The 
words were not first mine. 



THE WANDERING JEW 145 

FERERA 

But his ! (She is half sinking into a faint. ) Answer 
me ! But his ? 



OLALLA 

Oh, yes. Oh {With a moan she falls in a faint 

on to the ground.) 

Bear her away and keep close charge of her. 

[Two soldiers lift Olalla up, whose moans and 
weeping can he heard as they carry her out. 



[Exit Olalla. 



TEXEDA 

Now, sir, do you deny our charge? 



MATTEOS 

There's nothing that I have denied. All that has 
passed has been the purpose and the will of God. 



TEXEDA 

Yet here I have it writ you do admit the author- 
ship of these vile words : " It would go hard with Christ 
to know His own if He should come again." Do you 
deny them now ? 

MATTEOS 

No. 



146 THE WANDERING JEW 

TEXEDA 

This then is heresy, imputing all abomination to 
the Mother Church. Unless you can explain these 
words, and to the satisfaction of the court, of heresy 
you then will stand accused. 

FERERA 

There is doubtless some simple explanation in his 
mind. 

THIRD COUNCILLOR 

Never has been the spirit of the Church so high 
exalted as it is today. 

TEXEDA 

So in this high estate to which the Church has 
come, it might indeed go hard with Christ — (he crosses 
himself) — to recognise His own from what they were. 



MATTEOS 

If I had need of loophole for escape you would 
deserve my thanks for that. But this was not my 
meaning, sir. I've watched the growth of Christianity 
from the seed of life from which it sprang, and as each 
age some new conceit of man has cunningly been 
grafted on its stem, so has it long outgrown all likeness 
to the tree it was. 

FERERA 

Must we listen to the arrogance of this profanity? 



THE WANDERING JEW 147 

TEXEDA 

Let him speak on. {He listens intently.) 

MATTEOS 

Humbly I bid you ask yourselves, will Christianity 
make its Christ, or in the end will Christ make all 
men Christians ? 

If these in our Seville, or you in high authority, 
belong to Christ, by what sign should He know you 
if He came again? By your pity? God defend us, 
for you have none ! By your humility ? I am not He 
to judge you for your pride. By your mercy? Dare 
you forgive, lest they you pardon should be given 
leave to find you out ? By your love? Whom have 
you loved, good sirs, unless it were the little being of 
yourselves ? 

CASTRO 

This is reviling on the Church itself. 

TEXEDA 

Still let him speak. 

MATTEOS 

And yet perchance I wrong you when I say there 
is no sign by which Christ now would know His own. 
{He points to the crucifix hanging behind them above their 
heads.) There is the sign His eyes would turn to with 
familiar gaze. That you have kept ! His Cross! But 
in its polished surfaces — its gold and silver and its 
precious stones — the pain He bore on it is all heaped 
out with pride. 



148 THE WANDERING JEW 

(Leaning forward and pointing with his finger at the 
crucifix.) 'Twas not a cross like that He carried up 
the hill to Calvary. Rough beams of sycamine it was 
that never knew the temper of the plane. The bark 
was crusted round the stem. It had been roughly 
hewn the day before, and on one arm whereon they 
nailed His hand a little twig clung to the mother tree 
and shook its leaves in laughing life as His limbs 
trembled with the touch of death. 

That was the only jewel on His cross, and they who 
mocked Him then with words — who mocked — {he 
bends his head) — and spat on Him — was that such 
mockery as yours, whose hollow worship in a painted 
shrine is more unreal than spittle on your lips ? 

TEXEDA 

(To his Councillors.) This is the vilest blasphemy. 
(To Matteos.) Have you lost all regard, that here 
you stand before the highest court, and for such words 
as these your eyes might never see the light of day 
again ! 

MATTEOS 

It is the fault of all in this short life to dwell 
upon the consequences ere they act. So, many a good 
deed has been swallowed up in contemplation. I have 
outgrown timidity. 

FIRST COUNCILLOR 

Outgrown! 

THIRD COUNCILLOR 

He's watched the growth of Christianity ! 



THE WANDERING JEW 149 

FOURTH COUNCILLOR 

What age is he ? 

TEXEDA 

What age are you ? (Pause.) Answer the court ! 

MATTEOS 

If I should say the court would not believe. I 
do assure you, sirs, before I leave this place, I shall 
have taxed your credulity enough. 

TEXEDA 

A moment past I spoke of death as it might be the 
sentence of the Inquisition on your heresy. Yet even 
here the court is merciful. 

MATTEOS 

What must I give, sir, in exchange for mercy ? 

TEXEDA 

Embrace here now the faith of Holy Mother 
Church, and on the morrow in the market-place, before 
all people there assembled, declare you were a Jew on 
whom the light of this our Christian faith has fallen. 

MATTEOS 

Think you that that will bring me face to face with 
Christ? 

CASTRO 

(Whispering.) He does consider it. 



150 THE WANDERING JEW 

TEXEDA 

It does bring all to Christ. 

MATTEOS 

Not words, sir. They do but touch the tongue. 
What in default of this? 

TEXEDA 

In that same market-place you shall be burnt to 
death. 

MATTEOS 

Is this — the hour of death — the only threat you can 
hold forth? 

TEXEDA 

It is enough for many men I know. Life is a sweet 
thing, Battadios. 

MATTEOS 

{Striking his breast.) This is not life, good sir, this 
little body balanced on a spinning world. 'Tis but the 
glance we have of life, which is eternal; and death, 
could we but seize of it like men, is life's most glorious 
opportunity. 

You do not know — how can you tell, who in your 
three-score years and ten come like a moth upon a 
stream of light and eddy in the sunshine and are gone ! 
'Tis this existence in the slanting beam that seems the 
sweetest opportunity to you. You seize and hold it 
with your clutching hands, afraid to let it go, afraid 
to pass into the darkness that lies there beyond. For 



THE WANDERING JEW 151 

all your talk of life eternal in the Kingdom of your 
God, 'tis this brief span of years alone your heart has 
certain knowledge of. This is the hour you cherish 
when in your sense of hearing, touch, and sight, you 
can be proudly sure that you — are you. 

How should you know that I speak true? A 
hundred years and even you might shudder at the 
thought of life till then. But if a thousand years and 
more you had stood in a crowded world and watched 
the pageant of your little hopes and petty fears pass 
by — and still pass by — and still — and still! Would 
you not gaze towards death with such a hunger in your 
eyes as even God might have some pity for ? 

Your sentence is of death, good sirs. God grant 
you have the power to bring it to effect. 

FERERA 

I have but little patience left to listen to your 
madness. 

TEXEDA 

Here is the last time I will speak the mercy of the 
court. Will you accept the Holy Sacrament of the 
Church in Bread and Wine? 

MATTEOS 

The spirit of your Christ is nearer to my heart as 
I stand here — a Jew — than ever it could be to those 
who would so thrust Him 'tween their lips. 

CASTRO 

The man is mad ! 



152 THE WANDERING JEW 

TEXEDA 

Take him away. Let him be burnt tomorrow in 
the market-place, and to all people make it known he 
is a Jew. 

[The soldiers lead Matteos swiftly out. 
Texeda rises, the Councillors with him. 
The curtain falls as they troop out. 

CURTAIN 



THE WANDERING JEW 153 



SCENE III 

Scene 

This is the square of the market-place in Seville. The 
stake is in readiness for the auto-da-fe. A bout the square 
can be seen the houses of the city. At S.L. a platform 
has been erected from which the sentence is to be read 
and on which the officers of the Inquisition will stand. 

As curtain rises a mob of people is being kept back 
from the stake by the soldiers. Beside the stake are piles 
of faggots lying on the cobbled stones. 

The crowd are murmuring excitedly amongst them- 
selves, their voices dropping as the bellman of the city 
comes out from a street at S.R. He is followed by the 
Crier. The bellman rings his bell. 

THE CRIER 

{Reading from a document in his hand.) Know all 
dwellers in this city that the Holy Office of the In- 
quisition for the glory and honour of God and the 
exaltation of our Holy Faith, will this day celebrate 
a public trial by faith upon the person of Matteos 
Battadios, a Jew of this city. 

[There is a moment's hush, then the voices begin 
again as Olalla pushes her way into 
the front at S.L. As she sees the stake 
she hides her face in her hands. The 
voices die away once more as the procession 
approaches from the same direction as the 
Crier. First comes a priest bearing a 
white cross, then another bearing a green 



154 THE WANDERING JEW 

cross. Then follows the sentence in a 
scarlet velvet hex, carried in front of Fer- 
ERA, the Fiscal, in his robes of office. The 
voices of the crowd die away to absolute 
silence as a third priest enters, carrying 
a cross shrouded in black, followed by an 
acolyte tolling a bell. Immediately behind 
these walks Battadios in his robe of yel- 
low with a red cross on his back and chest. 
He takes his place below the platform. 

FERERA 

{From the platform.) Matteos Battadios, before 
the court of the Inquisition you have declared you are a 
Jew. Do you still so declare yourself before these here ? 

MATTEOS 

Ida 

{The crowd murmurs.) 

FERERA 

And by the court you have been charged and 
proved in blasphemy against the Holy Church. Hear 
then all people the judgment and the sentence of the 
Holy Inquisition on this man. {The box is presented to 
him. He takes out the sentence and reads.) The court 
decrees that at this stake and in the eyes of all men 
you shall be burnt to death, and may Almighty God 
have mercy on your soul. {As he crosses himself.) 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Ghost. Amen. 

[With a cry Olalla breaks her way through the 
soldiers and throws herself on her knees at 



THE WANDERING JEW 155 

Battadios' feet. A soldier comes for- 
ward to take her away. Ferera holds up 
his hand to stop him. He stands over her. 

OLALLA 

Master ! Master ! 'Twas I who brought you this. 

MATTEOS 

Child, you may have brought me great deliverance. 
God bless you ; before the next few moments have gone 
by I shall have learnt the truth. 

OLALLA 

What truth, Master? 

MATTEOS 

That which we all must learn and I have been 
awaiting for so long. {He raises her to her feet. She 
turns weeping away.) Sirs, begin your work. 

[The soldier leads Olalla away. Another sol- 
dier takes Matteos to the stake, binding 
him there with ropes. The faggots are 
piled around him. Two soldiers bring 
torches to light the faggots. They will not 
light. The crowd murmurs. 

A VOICE 

The faggots will not light. 

ANOTHER VOICE 

He was a good man. Did he not heal my son? 
Death was not meant for him. 



156 THE WANDERING JEW 

MATTEOS 

(Looking towards heaven.) Oh God, is my release 
not yet? 

[As he lifts his face a bright light falls on it. 
He meets it with hope and fulfilment in 
his eyes. 

A MAN IN THE CROWD BESIDE OLALLA 

Look ! Look ! What light is that ? 

OLALLA 

It is the light of Christ come out to meet this noble 
man. 

[At this moment the faggots catch. The smoke 
begins to rise, then flames. Matteos' 
garment can be seen to get slowly black. 
His head is still thrown back, meeting the 
light as the flames leap up against him. 
A t last when all his garment is charred and 
the skin of his face discoloured the light dies 
out, and his head falls forward on his chest. 
Olalla drops with a moan to the ground 
and then the bellman rings his bell. 

the crier 
Matteos Battadios, the Jew, is dead. 

CURTAIN 



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